The use of reserpine for elderly hypertensive patients.
Antihypertensives are among the most commonly prescribed drugs for the elderly. Several studies have discussed the benefits of stepped-care drug therapy for hypertension in the elderly, and propranolol, methyldopa, and more recently, clonidine and prazosin have been recommended as step-two antihypertensive drugs. Recent articles omit reserpine as an alternative. A case is made for the use of reserpine by comparing factors of special importance to most elderly: cost, side-effects, frequency of dosage, number of tablets, and the effect of omitted doses.
D000368:Aged; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012110:Reserpine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D012110:Reserpine