Moxonidine

Indications

Moxonidine is used for: Hypertension

Adult Dose

Oral Hypertension Adult: 200 mcg once daily, increase if necessary after 3 wk to 400 mcg daily as single or in 2 divided doses. If necessary, after a further 3 wk, increase to 600 mcg daily in 2 divided doses. Max: 600 mcg daily.

Child Dose

Renal Dose

Renal impairment: CrCl (ml/min) Dosage Recommendation 30-60 Single dose should not exceed 200 mcg. Max daily dose 400 mcg. <30 Avoid

Administration

May be taken with or without food.

Contra Indications

Conduction disorders; bradycardia; severe arrhythmias; severe heart failure; severe ischaemic heart disease; history of angioedema; severe liver or renal impairment; Raynaud's syndrome; intermittent claudication; epilepsy; depression; Parkinson's disease; glaucoma. Pregnancy and lactation.

Precautions

Renal impairment; avoid abrupt withdrawal (if concomitant treatment with ?-blocker has to be stopped, discontinue ?-blocker first, then moxonidine after few days).

Pregnancy-Lactation

Interactions

Additive effects with other antihypertensives; may increase sedative effects of benzodiazepines. Effects may be antagonised by TCAs.

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Moxonidine : Dry mouth; headache; fatigue; dizziness; nausea; sleep disturbances; asthenia; vasodilatation; skin reactions; constipation; depression; anxiety; anorexia; parotid pain; vivid dreams; impotence and loss of libido; urinary retention or incontinence; slight orthostastic hypotension; fluid retention.

Mechanism of Action

Moxonidine is a centrally-acting antihypertensive. It acts in the brainstem through stimulation of central imidazoline receptors to reduce sympathetic tone. Moxonidine also has a low affinity for alpha2-adrenoceptors.