Home Drug Guide Quinethazone and Reserpine

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Quinethazone and Reserpine

Brand Names Hydromox R

Classification

Therapeutic: Antihypertensive, Diuretic (Quinethazone), Antipsychotic (Reserpine)

Pharmacological: Diuretic (Quinethazone), Adrenergic Neuron Blocker (Reserpine)

FDA Approved Indications

  • Hypertension (Reserpine)
  • Edema (Quinethazone)

Mechanism of Action

Quinethazone inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the distal tubules of the kidney, promoting diuresis. Reserpine irreversibly blocks the storage of neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin) in sympathetic nerve endings, reducing sympathetic activity and lowering blood pressure.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Dose varies; typically, Reserpine 0.1-0.5 mg once daily, titrated as needed. Quinethazone dosage depends on indication and response.

Pediatric: Not generally recommended for children.

Geriatric: Use cautiously; start at lower doses due to increased sensitivity.

Renal Impairment: Adjust dose based on renal function.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; no specific dosage adjustment information.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Orally absorbed.

Distribution: Widely distributed throughout the body.

Metabolism: Primarily hepatic metabolism.

Excretion: Renal excretion; metabolites and unchanged drug.

Half Life: Reserpine: approximately 24 hours.

Contraindications

  • Depressive states, peptic ulcer, asthma, head trauma.
  • Known hypersensitivity to the components.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with Parkinson's disease, depression, or peptic ulcer disease. Monitor blood pressure closely. Risk of depression with Reserpine.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Sedation, nasal congestion, gastrointestinal upset (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Depression, bradycardia, peptic ulcer exacerbation, nasal congestion leading to potential airway compromise (Serious (less common))

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • MAO inhibitors, centrally acting agents, tricyclic antidepressants, other antihypertensives

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor blood pressure, heart rate, mental status, and signs of depression.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for hypotension, risk for depression, impaired gas exchange due to nasal congestion.

Implementation: Administer as prescribed; monitor vitals regularly; evaluate mental health status.

Evaluation: Assess blood pressure response, mental health status, and adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication exactly as prescribed.
  • Report signs of depression or suicidal ideation.
  • Caution about possible sedation and orthostatic hypotension.
  • Avoid abrupt discontinuation.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Risk of depression and suicidal thoughts with Reserpine.

Genetic Factors: None specific.

Lab Test Interference: None noted.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Severe hypotension, depression, rapid decrease in blood pressure.

Treatment: Supportive care, IV fluids, activated charcoal if ingestion is recent, monitor cardiovascular status.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and light.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.