Medical expert of the article
New publications
Preparations
Rauwolfia dry extract
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Indications rauwolfia dry extract
It is used to eliminate symptoms in patients that are observed with elevated blood pressure.
[ 3 ]
Pharmacodynamics
Since the constituent elements are rauwolfia alkaloids, it has a powerful antiarrhythmic and antihypertensive effect. The drug has a positive effect on the health of people who have a pathological increase in blood pressure (both mild and moderate).
It should be noted that the sedative effect of the drug is weaker than its antihypertensive and antiarrhythmic properties. But compared to the substance reserpine, the drug is usually better tolerated, although a noticeable antihypertensive effect appears more slowly.
Pharmacokinetics
About 40% of the drug is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration of the drug. Peak plasma values are reached after 1-3 hours.
Approximately 40% of the drug undergoes protein synthesis in plasma. A small part of rauwolfia undergoes metabolism, in which the mucous membrane of the small intestine participates. Through it, the drug is absorbed into the blood, and then, after 24 hours, is excreted through the kidneys. The majority of the drug participates in metabolic processes occurring inside the liver - their participants are also hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes.
The half-life is 50-170 hours. The excretion of the drug is quite slow and occurs in the urine, mostly in the form of metabolic breakdown products. Less than 1% of the drug is excreted unchanged. Over a period of 96 hours, about 40% of the active substance is excreted unchanged.
Dosing and administration
Dry extract of rauwolfia should be taken after meals. To avoid possible negative impact on the patient's health, it is necessary to strictly follow the regimen of drug use, and at the same time take it only in prescribed portions. On the first day, you need to take 1 tablet - in the evening, before bedtime (this is 2 mg of the active component).
On the 2nd day, take 2 tablets in 2 doses, and on the 3rd day, 3 tablets in 3 doses. Thus, the portion should be gradually increased to 6 tablets. After 2 weeks of the course with the maximum dosage, it is gradually reduced to a maximum of 2 tablets per day.
[ 4 ]
Use rauwolfia dry extract during pregnancy
Dry extract of rauwolfia is prohibited to be taken in the 3rd trimester.
Contraindications
Among the contraindications:
- state of depression;
- a lesion affecting the myocardium and having an organic nature;
- decreased blood pressure values;
- patients under 18 years of age;
- coronary insufficiency;
- aortic heart defects;
- renal nephrosclerosis;
- peptic ulcer disease developing in the gastrointestinal tract;
- intolerance to medicinal elements.
Side effects rauwolfia dry extract
If the drug is used in dosages that do not correspond to the instructions, the following side effects may occur: decreased libido, depression, hyperhidrosis, swelling of the nasal mucosa, development of asthenia, cardialgia or bradycardia.
Interactions with other drugs
It is necessary to be extremely careful when combining dry extract of rauwolfia with the substances quinidine and guanethidine, as well as with β-blockers and CG.
The drug is capable of potentiating the therapeutic properties of barbiturates, and at the same time the effect of alcoholic beverages on the nervous system.
Storage conditions
Dry extract of rauwolfia should be kept in a place out of reach of children, away from light. Temperature level – no more than 20°C.
[ 7 ]
Special instructions
Reviews
Dry extract of rauwolfia receives many positive reviews from patients regarding its high efficiency. Although there are those who consider the presence of many contraindications a disadvantage.
At the same time, doctors speak about the drug rather reservedly, because it has different effects on different people, which is why it may not be suitable for everyone.
[ 8 ]
Shelf life
Dry extract of rauwolfia can be used for 3 years from the date of manufacture of the medicinal product.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Rauwolfia dry extract" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.