How does it work?

Moxonidine belongs to a group of medicines called the antihypertensives. It is thought to stimulate receptors in the brain (imidazoline receptors). When moxonidine acts on these receptors it causes the blood vessels to relax and widen. Moxonidine is also thought to have an effect on other receptors called alpha-2 receptors. These receptors are found in the brain. By binding to these receptors moxonidine prevents the release of other chemicals in the brain that would normally act to increase blood pressure. By these mechanisms, moxonidine causes a lowering of blood pressure.

What is it used for?

High blood pressure

Warning!

You should not suddenly stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Use with caution in

Kidney disease

Not to be used in

A problem common in the elderly, related to poor control of the working of the heart (sick sinus syndrome)

Allergic reaction to one of the active ingredients

Angina not well controlled by medical treatment

Breastfeeding

Cramping pain in the calf muscles brought on by exercise, due to narrowing of the arteries in the calves

Depression

Epilepsy

Glaucoma

History of swelling of the lips, face or tongue (angioedema)

Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)

Narrowing of the blood vessels in the hands, causing numb and painful fingers (Raynaud's disease)

Parkinson's disease

Pregnancy

Severe coronary heart disease

Severe heart failure

Severe liver disease

Severely decreased kidney function

Slow heart rate of less than 50 beats per minute (bradycardia)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Significant amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

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