RESERPINE

RESERPINE

Brand Names : Alserin; Austrapine; Crystoserpine; Eskaserp; Hiserpia; Orticalm; Quiescin; Rau-red; Reserpex; Reserpoid; Rivasin; Roxinoid; Sandril; Sedaraupin; Serfin; Serolfia; Serpanray; Serpasil; Serpasol; Serpate; Serpen; Serpine; Serpiloid.

Reserpine is an alkaloid obtained from the roots of certain species of Rauuolfia (Apocynaceae) mainly Rauuvolfia serpentina and R. vomitoria, or by synthesis. It occurs as odourless, small, white or pale buff to slightly yellow coloured crystals or crystalline powder, m. p. 264-265° (decomp). It is very sparingly soluble in water; freely soluble in chloroform, methylene chloride, glacial acetic acid; soluble in benzene and ethylacetate; slightly soluble ܗܘ in acetone, methanol, alcohol, ether and in aqueous solutions of acetic and citric acids. Upon standing most solutions acquire a yellow colour and pronounced fluorescence, especially after the addition of acid or upon exposure to light. It is stored in airtight containers and protected from light. Storage of solutions in daylight causes epimerization at C-3 to form 3-isoreserpine. In daylight, oxidation also takes place and 3-dehydroreserpine is formed. It is green in solution but, as the oxidative process progresses, the colour disappears and, finally, a strongly orange colour appears

Uses : Reserpine is an antihypertensive agent used in the treatment of hypertension, as sedative in anxiety states and to treat Raynaud's syndrome.

Side Effect

Side-effects commonly include nasal congestion, CNS symptoms including depression, drowsiness, lethargy, nightmares, gastro-intestinal disturbances and respiratory distress.