Serpine - Reserpine

Hydropres-50—hydrochlorothiazide, reserpine Hydro-Seqi—hydrochlorothiazide, reserpine Hydro serpine 1 Tablets—hydroclilo rothiazide, reserpine... 

The most troublesome untoward effects of treatment with reserpine involve the CNS. Sedation and depression are the most common, although nightmares and thoughts of suicide also occur. Reserpine treatment, therefore, is contraindicated in patients with a history of severe depression. The occasional report of re-serpine-induced extrapyramidal symptoms, which are similar to those seen in patients with Parkinson s disease, is believed to be a result of dopamine depletion from neurons in the CNS. 

Reserpine. which is the major active constituent of Rauwol-fia, was isolated in 1952 and is a much weaker base than the alkaloids just mentioned. Reserpinuid alkaloids are yo-himbinc-like ba.ses that have an additional functional group on C-18. Only three naturally occurring alkaloids possess reserpine-like activity strong enough for use in treating hypertension re.serpine. deserpidine. and rescinnamine. 

Reserpine is absorbed rapidly after oral administration. Fat tissue accumulates rc.serpinc slowly, with a maximal level reached between 4 and 6 hours. After 24 hours, small amounts of reserpine are found in the liver and fat. but none is found in the brain or other tissues. Re.serpine is metabolized by the liver and intestine to methyl re.serpatc and. 1.4.S-trimcthoxybenzoic acid. 

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