The Basics
What is Reserpine?
Used for the treatment of high blood pressure, usually in combination with a thiazide diuretic or vasodilator.
Brand names for Reserpine
Austedo
How Reserpine is classified
Antihypertensive Agents
Reserpine During Pregnancy
Reserpine pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Reserpine while pregnant
There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of AUSTEDO in pregnant women. Administration of deutetrabenazine to rats during organogenesis produced no clear adverse effect on embryofetal development. However, administration of tetrabenazine to rats throughout pregnancy and lactation resulted in an increase in stillbirths and postnatal offspring mortality . In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. Data Animal Data Oral administration of deutetrabenazine (5, 10, or 30 mg/kg/day) or tetrabenazine (30 mg/kg/day) to pregnant rats during organogenesis had no clear effect on embryofetal development. The highest dose tested was 6 times the maximum recommended human dose of 48 mg/day, on a body surface area (mg/m²) basis. The effects of deutetrabenazine when administered during organogenesis to rabbits or during pregnancy and lactation to rats have not been assessed. Tetrabenazine had no effects on embryofetal development when administered to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis at oral doses up to 60 mg/kg/day. When tetrabenazine was administered to female rats (doses of 5, 15, and 30 mg/kg/day) from the beginning of organogenesis through the lactation period, an increase in stillbirths and offspring postnatal mortality was observed at 15 and 30 mg/kg/day, and delayed pup maturation was observed at all doses.
Taking Reserpine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Reserpine?
Because no information is available on the use of reserpine during breastfeeding and it might adversely affect the breastfed infant, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Because no information is available on the use of reserpine during breastfeeding and it might adversely affect the breastfed infant, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Possible effects of Reserpine on milk supply
Reserpine has reportedly caused galactorrhea and has been used to increase breastmilk production, although it is obsolete for this use.[2][3][4]
Possible alternatives to Reserpine
Enalapril, Methyldopa, Nifedipine, Propranolol.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Knowles JA. Drugs in milk. Pediatr Currents. Ross Laboratories. 1972;21:28-32.
2. Vaidya RA, Vaidya AB, Van Woert MH et al. Galactorrhea and Parkinson-like syndrome: an adverse effect of alpha-methyldopa. Metabolism. 1970;19(12):1068-70. PMID: 4923681
3. Mazhbits IA. [Use of reserpine as a lactogenic substance]. Akush Ginekol (Mosk). 1970;46(1):70-2. PMID: 5433043
4. Somlyo AP, Wayde JD. Abnormal lactation. Report of a case induced by reserpine and a brief review of the subject. J Mt Sinai Hosp N Y. 1960;27(Jan-Feb):5-9. PMID: 13832752
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
