Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

RESERPILINE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Reserpiline is an alkaloid derived from Rauwolfia serpentina. The hydrochloride is used as
a tranquilliser or antihypertensive agent. Chemically related to reserpine with similar
actions.

SYNONYMS

C23-H28-N2-O5, "oxayohimban-16-carboxylic acid, ", "oxayohimban-16-carboxylic acid, ",
"16, 17-didehydro-10, 11-dimethoxy-19-methyl-, methyl ester, ", "16, 17-didehydro-10, 11-
dimethoxy-19-methyl-, methyl ester, ", "(3-beta, 19-alpha, 20-alpha)-", "(3-beta, 19-
alpha, 20-alpha)-", "16, 17-didehydro-10-11-dimethoxy-19-methyloxayohimban-16-carboxylic
acid", "16, 17-didehydro-10-11-dimethoxy-19-methyloxayohimban-16-carboxylic acid",
"methyl ester", Elliptamine, "reserpine analogue", antihypertensive, "tranquilliser/
tranquillizer", sedative

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  The dust may produce eye discomfort causing smarting, pain and redness.  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  The material is not thought to be a skin irritant (as classified using animal models). Temporary discomfort, however, may result from prolonged dermal exposures. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of the material, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are by ingestion and accidental skin contact  or inhalation of dusts.  No human exposure data available. For this reason health effects described are based on experience with chemically related materials.  As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.