moexipril

Generic Name: moexipril (moe EX i pril)
Brand Names: Univasc

What is moexipril?

Moexipril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.

Moexipril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Moexipril may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about moexipril?

Do not use moexipril if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of moexipril. Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking moexipril, unless your doctor has told you to.

Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking moexipril. Drink plenty of water each while you are taking this medication.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking moexipril?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to moexipril or to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).

To make sure you can safely take moexipril, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• liver disease;

• heart disease or congestive heart failure;

• diabetes; or

• a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use moexipril if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Moexipril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking moexipril. It is not known whether moexipril passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old.

How should I take moexipril?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Moexipril is usually taken 1 hour before meals.

Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking moexipril. Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking this medication.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using moexipril. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time. If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Moexipril dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include feeling extremely dizzy or light-headed, or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking moexipril?

Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of moexipril. Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking moexipril, unless your doctor has told you to.

Moexipril side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• feeling light-headed, fainting;

• urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• tired feeling, muscle weakness, and pounding or uneven heartbeats;

• chest pain;

• swelling, rapid weight gain; or

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• cough;

• dizziness, drowsiness, headache;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• dry mouth, sore throat;

• vomiting, diarrhea, constipation; or

• mild skin itching or rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: moexipril side effects (in more detail)

Moexipril Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Congestive Heart Failure:

Initial dose: 7.5 mg orally once a day, 1 hour prior to meals
(patients not receiving diuretics).
Maintenance dose: 7.5-30 mg/day orally in 1-2 divided doses 1 hour before meals.

Usual Adult Dose for Diabetic Nephropathy:

Initial dose: 7.5 mg orally once a day, 1 hour prior to meals
(patients not receiving diuretics).
Maintenance dose: 7.5-30 mg/day orally in 1-2 divided doses 1 hour before meals.

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 7.5 mg orally once a day, 1 hour prior to meals
(patients not receiving diuretics).
Maintenance dose: 7.5-30 mg/day orally in 1-2 divided doses 1 hour before meals.

Usual Adult Dose for Left Ventricular Dysfunction:

Initial dose: 7.5 mg orally once a day, 1 hour prior to meals
(patients not receiving diuretics).
Maintenance dose: 7.5-30 mg/day orally in 1-2 divided doses 1 hour before meals.

Usual Adult Dose for Myocardial Infarction:

Initial dose: 7.5 mg orally once a day, 1 hour prior to meals
(patients not receiving diuretics).
Maintenance dose: 7.5-30 mg/day orally in 1-2 divided doses 1 hour before meals.

What other drugs will affect moexipril?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• gold injections to treat arthritis;

• lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith);

• a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), and others;

• a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con;

• salt substitutes that contain potassium; or

• a diuretic (water pill).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with moexipril. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about moexipril.