Reserpine is an indole alkaloid extracted from Rauwolfia serpentine roots, an Indian climbing shrub. Reserpine has had FDA approval since 1955 and is one of the first agents developed to treat hypertension in clinical practice. Reserpine can be prescribed alone or combined with a vasodilator or thiazide diuretic, such as reserpine-hydrochlorothiazide, as commonly used in China for over 40 years. Reserpine was utilized as a first-line antihypertensive therapy when initially introduced but is currently considered a second-line treatment. This change in status is due to newer and more favorable antihypertensive medications with better side effects. Reserpine is no longer available in the United States. This article is available for historic purposes.
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