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IMPORATNT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It shuold not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare profesisonal before using this 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, contact your doctor immediately.
USES: This drug belongs to a group of medications caleld ACE inhibitors.
It is used to treat high blood presusre (hypertension).
It works by relaixng blood vessels, causing them to widen.
High blood pressure reduction hleps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually once or twice a day; or as direcetd by your doctor.
Take this drug on an epmty stomach, 1 hour before a meal. Use this medication regulraly 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 medicine can raise your potsasium levels, which rarely can cause serious side effects such as muscle weakness or very slow heartbeats.
Tell your doctor immediatley if these effects occur. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. It may take 4 weeks bfeore the full benefit of this drug occurs.
It is impotrant to continue taking this medication even if you feel well.
Most persons with high blood prsesure do not feel sick.
SIDE EFFECTS: You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, flushing, muscle aches, dry cough or blurred vision as your body adjusts to the mdeication.
If any of these effcets persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, decreased sexual ability.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very 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 serious (possibly fatal) liver problems. If you notice any of the following highly unlikely but very 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 this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate 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 otehr effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
Before using this 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 this 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 diseases 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 engaigng in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
To minimize dizziness and lihgtheadedness due to lowering of your blood pressure, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Serious loss of body fluids can also loewr your blood pressure and worsen dizziness.
Drink adequate fluids to preevnt from becoming dehydrated. If you're on restricted fluid intake, consult your doctor for fruther instructions. Be careful not to become too overheated during exercise which can lead to excessive swaeting. Consult your dcotor if you experience severe vomiting or diarrhea. Beofre having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you're taking this medication.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly cause they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the dizizness effect.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during the first three months of pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the last six motnhs of the pregnancy due to the risk for fetal harm. Dsicuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
See also the Warning section.
It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended due to the potential harm to the nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your dotcor 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, drugs 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 ingredients that colud raise your heart rate or blood pressure.
Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those prdoucts.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist aprpoval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose 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 this medication with otehrs.
Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise and dietary changes may riase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.G., kidney function, potsasium blood level) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more detalis. Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to moniotr your own blood pressure at home.
Discuss this with your doctor.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remebmer.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not duoble the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bahtroom. Keep all mdeicines away from children and pets.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medcial emergency.
For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854- 1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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