Medicinal drug
Rauwolfiae radix – Rauvolfia root.
Ingredients
Indole alkaloids (Rauwolfia alkaloids): reserpine, ajmaline, ajmalicine.
Effects
- Antihypertensive by depleting adrenergic, serotoninergic, and dopaminergic nerve endings.
- Sympatholytic
- Reassuring
- Antiarrhythmic due to sodium channel blockade (ajmaline)
Indications
- Drug: mild essential hypertension.
- Reserpine as pure substance: hypertension. It is rarely used today (UAW).
- Ajmaline as a pure substance: arrhythmia.
Dosage
- Contained in finished drug products, see reserpine, ajmaline.
- 600 mg drug corresponding to 6 mg total alkaloids.
- Use is not recommended despite positive monograph of Commission E.
Contraindications
Depression, ulcer, phaechromocytoma, pregnancy, lactation.
Interactions
Digitalis glycosides, neuroleptics, barbiturates, levodopa, sympathomimetics.
Adverse effects
Stuffy nose, depression, fatigue, impotence.
