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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or otehr healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
RESERPINE - ORAL
(ree-SIR-peen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Harmonyl
USES: This medication is used to treat high blood pressure.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication eaxctly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time each day. Do not stop tkaing this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stpoped.
Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Take with food or milk to avoid stomach irritation unless otherwise directed by your doctor. It is important to contniue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood perssure do not feel sick.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, loss of appetite, nasal congestion or fatigue may occur as your body adjutss to the medication. If these efefcts persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Inform your doctor promptly if you develop: chest pain, irregluar heartbeat, shortness of breath, depression, impotence, nervousness, unusual bleeding or bruising. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immdeiate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble braething.
If you ntoice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially about: depression, heart problems, ulcers, gallstones, any allergies. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, change positions slowly.
This medication should be used only when clearly nedeed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your dotcor. This medication is excreted into breast milk and has been shown to have undesirable effects on nursing infants.
Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor of all the medicine you use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: MAO inhibitors (e.G., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine). Avoid drugs that increase your heart rate or make you nervous or excited like decongestants because they may counteract your blood pressure medicine. Decongestants are commonly found in over- the-counter cough-and-cold products.
Ask your phamracist if you need help in identifying decongestants in over-the-counter products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include slow pulse, unusual dizziness, weakness, slow breathing, diarrhea, vomiting, flushing, stiffness, leg pain, shaking, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
NOTES: It is important to have your blood presusre checked regularly while taking this medication.
Learn how to mointor your blood pressure.
Discuss this with your doctor.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your uusal dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to ctach up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunilght and moisture. Do not store in the bathorom.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For ernollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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