How many hours does it take for reserpine to lower blood pressure?

In general, reserpine enters the bloodstream about 2 hours after administration and begins to exert its antihypertensive effect.

Reserpine is an antihypertensive medication that acts on the sympathetic nervous system and is primarily used to treat hypertension. The onset of its blood pressure-lowering effect may vary depending on the patient's medical condition, physical status, and other factors.

Reserpine lowers blood pressure by reducing the storage of norepinephrine. Its antihypertensive effect typically begins to manifest within several hours after administration, but it may take several days to weeks to achieve the maximum blood pressure-lowering effect, depending on the individual's physiological condition and dosage. For patients with mild hypertension, a significant decrease in blood pressure may occur within 2–4 weeks; for those with more severe hypertension, it may take 4–6 weeks or even longer.

Reserpine should be used under the guidance of a physician, as it may cause certain side effects such as bradycardia, fatigue, and depression. In cases of acute hypertensive crisis, reserpine may not be appropriate due to its relatively slow onset of action, which is not as rapid as that of other fast-acting antihypertensive medications.