Rauwolfia serpentina in Hypertensive Vascular Disease.,

Abstract

Rauwolfia serpentina (Raudixin, Squibb) was administered for periods of 2 weeks or more to 10 ambulatory patients with uncomplicated hypertensive vascular disease, 10 bed patients with the accelerated phase of this disorder, and to 4 hospital patients in varying stages of the disease, the last group being studied in detail while on a constant fluid and dietary regimen. Significant depressor effects and bradycardia were observed in the majority of the ambulatory patients; some degree of relaxation was noted in those who were emotionally tense; but little or no effects were evident in those with the accelerated phase or those under hospital supervision. Temporary Na retention was apparent in 2 hospital patients with nephrosclerosis, but otherwise Raudixin appeared to have no direct hemodynamic, circulatory or metabolic action.