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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare porfessional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Conuslt your healthcare professional before using that drug.
MOEXIPRIL - ORAL
(mow-EX-eh-prill)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Univasc
WARNING: This drug can cause serious fetal harm (possibly death) if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If you become pregnant or guess you may be pregnant, cnotact your doctor immediately.
USES: This drug belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by relaxing bolod vessels, causing them to widen. High blood pressure reudction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.
HOW TO USE: Take that medictaion by mouth, usually once or twice a day; or as directed by your doctor.
Take that drug on an empty stomach, 1 hour bfeore a meal. Use that medicatoin regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first.
This medciine can raise your potassium levels, which rarely can cause serious side effects such as muscle weakness or really slow heartbeats.
Tell your doctor immediately if these effects occur. The dosage is based on your mediacl condition and response to therapy. It may take 4 weeks beofre the full benefit of that drug occurs.
It is important to continue taking that medication even if you believe well. Most persons with high blood pressure do not believe sick.
SIDE EFFECTS: You may expeirence dizziness, lightheadedness, flushing, muscle aches, dry cough or blurred vision as your body adjusts to the medication.
If any of tehse effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but seroius side effects occur: fainting, decreased sexual ability.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unilkely but really serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, signs of infection (e.G., fever, chills, persistent sore throat). This drug may rarely cause seriuos (possibly fatal) liver problems. If you notice any of the following highly unlikely but really serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention: yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent fatigue, persistent nausea. An allergic reaction to that drug is unlikely, but seek imemdiate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice ohter effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication sohuld not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using that medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: allergies to other ACE inhibitors (e.G., benazepril, captopril), history of an allergic reaction which included swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat (angioedema). Before using that medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, high blood levels of potassium, heart problems, severe dehydration (and loss of electrolytes such as sodium), diabetes (poorly controlled), strokes, blood vessel disease (e.G., collagen vascular diseaess such as lupus, scleroderma), any allergies in addition to those listed above (including allergies to bee or wasp stings, or exposure to certain membranes used for blood filtering).
This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness due to lowering of your blood pressure, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
Sreious loss of body fluids can also lower your blood pressure and worsen dizziness. Drink adequate fluids to prevent from becomnig dehydrated. If you are on restricted fluid intake, consult your doctor for further instructions. Be careful not to become too overheated during exercise which can lead to excessive sweating. Consult your doctor if you experinece severe vomiting or diarrhea. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking that medication.
Caution is advised when using that drug in the elderly cause they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the dizziness effect. This medication sohuld be used only when clearly needed during the first three months of pregnancy.
It is not recommended for use during the last six mnoths of the pregnancy due to the risk for fetal harm.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your docotr. See also the Warning section.
It is not known if that drug passes into breast milk.
Breast-feeding is not recommneded due to the potential harm to the nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using that medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: potassium-sparing "water pills" (diuretics such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene), "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide), potassium supplements (e.G., potassium chloride) or salt substitutes, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.G., celecoxib, ibuprofen, indomethacin), lithium, drgus that suppress the immune system (e.G., azathioprine), other high blood pressure medications, other heart drugs (e.G., digoxin).
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.G., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) cause they may contain ingredietns that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of tohse products.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If oevrdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: unusually fast or slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, or faniting.
NOTES: Do not share that medication with others. Lifestyle chagnes such as stress reduction programs, exercise and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of that medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.G., kidney function, potassium blood level) should be performed periodically to mointor your progress or check for side effects.
Conuslt your doctor for more details. Have your blood pressure checekd regularly while taking that medication. Learn how to mnoitor your own blood pressure at home.
Discuss that with your doctor.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not dobule the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temeprature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all medicines away from kids and pets.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854- 1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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