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Pronunciation:

(rah WOOL fee a ser pen TEEN ah)

Synonyms:

Whole Root Rauwolfia

Generic Available:

Yes

Use:

Mild essential hypertension; relief of agitated psychotic states

Pregnancy Risk Factor:

Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity to rauwolfia serpentina or any component of the formulation; any ulcerative condition; gallstones; mental depression; electroshock therapy

Adverse Reactions:

Frequency not defined.

Cardiovascular: Hypotension, tachycardia, flushing

Central nervous system: Drowsiness, fatigue, CNS depression, coma, parkinsonism, hypothermia

Endocrine & metabolic: Sodium and water retention, gynecomastia, galactorrhea

Gastrointestinal: Abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, gastric acid secretion (increased), dry mouth, diarrhea

Ocular: Miosis, conjunctival flushing

Respiratory: Nasal congestion

Drug Interactions:

Use lower doses with diuretic treatment or other antihypertensive use

Stability:

Protect from light

Dosage:

Adults: Oral: 200-400 mg/day in 2 divided doses

Dietary Considerations:

May be taken with food or milk to decrease GI distress.

Patient Education:

Take with food or milk; impotency is reversible; notify physician if a weight gain of more than 5 pounds has taken place during therapy; may cause drowsiness

Nursing Implications:

Monitor blood pressure (standing and sitting/supine); diarrhea, weakness, mental changes

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment:

No significant effects or complications reported

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions:

No information available to require special precautions

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status:

May cause drowsiness, fatigue, CNS depression

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment:

Use caution in patients with depression; reported usefulness in psychotic agitation

Dosage Forms:

Tablet: 50 mg, 100 mg

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