Indications
Fishar is a Unani preparation (fishar is the Unani term for blood pressure) containing Indian snakeroot (Rauwolfia serpentina) together with potassium and magnesium. It is traditionally used as a supportive remedy for high blood pressure, and sometimes for restlessness, anxiety and poor sleep linked with raised blood pressure. Snakeroot is a potent herb: one of its natural compounds, Reserpine, was once used as a prescription blood pressure medicine. This product must not replace blood pressure medicines prescribed by your doctor.
How It Works
Snakeroot contains alkaloids, mainly Reserpine, that deplete the chemical messengers noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin from nerve endings. This relaxes blood vessels, slows the heart and lowers blood pressure, and also has a calming effect. Potassium and magnesium are minerals that help regulate heart rhythm and blood vessel tone; adequate potassium in the diet is linked with lower blood pressure.
Dosage and Administration
Take only as directed on the label or by a registered practitioner, and preferably with your doctor’s knowledge. Do not exceed the stated amount. Check your blood pressure regularly while using it. Do not stop or change any prescribed blood pressure medicine on your own.
Interactions
Snakeroot can add to the effect of other blood pressure medicines such as Amlodipine, Losartan or Atenolol, causing blood pressure to fall too low. It must not be combined with MAO inhibitor antidepressants. It may increase drowsiness with alcohol, sedatives and sleeping tablets, and can affect heart rhythm with Digoxin. The potassium content may cause high potassium levels with Spironolactone, ACE inhibitors such as Enalapril or Ramipril, angiotensin receptor blockers such as Losartan, or potassium supplements. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take.
Contraindications
- Current or past depression, or suicidal thoughts.
- Active stomach or duodenal ulcer, or ulcerative colitis.
- Kidney disease or high blood potassium.
- Low blood pressure, slow heart rate or heart failure.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding and children.
- Parkinson’s disease, or electroconvulsive therapy.
Side Effects
Possible effects include a stuffy nose, drowsiness, tiredness, dizziness on standing, slow pulse, diarrhoea, increased stomach acid, vivid dreams and weight gain. Snakeroot can cause low mood and depression, which may come on slowly.
Get urgent medical help if you feel very low or have thoughts of self-harm, faint, have a very slow or irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, vomit blood or pass black stools, or have signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Snakeroot alkaloids can harm the baby and pass into breast milk, causing breathing difficulty and a stuffy nose in newborns. High blood pressure in pregnancy needs a doctor’s care.
Precautions and Warnings
High blood pressure is a serious condition that needs proper diagnosis and regular monitoring by a doctor. Tell the doctor you take this product before any surgery or anaesthetic. Watch for changes in mood, and stop it and see a doctor if low mood develops. It may cause drowsiness; take care when driving.
Overdose
Overdose may cause severe drowsiness, very low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, flushing, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, coma. Seek emergency medical help immediately and take the pack with you.
Therapeutic Class
Unani herbal preparation (traditional antihypertensive)
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.