Uniretic

Generic name: Moexipril hydrochloride and hydrochlorothiazide

What is Uniretic?

Uniretic combines two types of blood pressure medication—moexipril hydrochloride and hydrochlorothiazide. Uniretic is used to treat high blood pressure, but it is not used for the initial treatment of high blood pressure. It is saved for later use, when a single blood pressure medication is not sufficient for the job.

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

Blood pressure medications known as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as Uniretic, have been shown to cause injury and even death of the developing baby when used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. When pregnancy is confirmed, call your doctor right away for instructions on how to safely discontinue Uniretic.

Contact your doctor immediately if you develop swelling around your lips, tongue, or throat, or in your arms and legs, or if you begin to have difficulty breathing or swallowing while taking Uniretic. You may need emergency room treatment.

Uniretic can cause a severe drop in blood pressure if you lose too much liquid through excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, or vomiting. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop one of these problems.

You must take Uniretic regularly for it to be effective, and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Like other blood pressure medications, Uniretic does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

Who should not take Uniretic?

Do not take Uniretic if you have had a severe reaction called angioedema (swelling of the face, arms, legs, and throat) to any other ACE inhibitor, such as captopril or lisinopril. Avoid Uniretic, too, if you've had an allergic reaction to either of its ingredients, or to any sulfa drug. Allergic reactions to Uniretic are more likely if you have a history of allergies or wheezing or breathing difficulties.

If you have problems with urination, do not take Uniretic.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Uniretic?

Mention all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Uniretic. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have high blood sugar, inflammation of the pancreas or joints, high cholesterol, liver disease, kidney disease, or if you are on dialysis. Make sure to let your doctor know if you have a connective tissue disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus. Tell your doctor if you have a blood or bone marrow disease, any type of heart disease, or if you have had a stroke.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: Dosages of Uniretic are always tailored to your individual response. The doctor will probably start with a relatively low dosage, then after 2 or 3 weeks adjust it upward if necessary. In general, the daily dose of moexipril should not exceed 30 milligrams. For hydrochlorothiazide, the maximum is 50 milligrams a day.

Your doctor may prescribe other blood pressure medications along with Uniretic.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Uniretic have not been established in children.

How should I take Uniretic?

Take Uniretic once a day, 1 hour before a meal. Try not to miss any doses. If you suddenly stop taking Uniretic, you could experience a rise in blood pressure.

What should I avoid while taking Uniretic?

While taking Uniretic, do not use potassium supplements, salt substitutes that contain potassium, or diuretics that leave potassium levels high (triamterene and amiloride hydrochloride/hydrochlorothiazide) unless your doctor recommends them.

Avoid a high-salt diet. Too much salt may cause your body to retain water and may decrease the effects of hydrochlorothiazide. Ask your doctor or nurse about low-salt diet alternatives.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Uniretic may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Uniretic?

If Uniretic is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Uniretic with the following: ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone); alcohol; barbiturates, such as phenobarbital or secobarbital sodium; cholestyramine; colestipol; diabetes medications, such as glyburide and insulin; guanabenz; lithium; narcotics, such as acetaminophen with oxycodone hydrochloride; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen and naproxen; potassium-sparing diuretics, such as triamterene or amiloride hydrochloride with hydrochlorothiazide; potassium supplements; propantheline; salt substitutes containing potassium; and steroid medications, such as prednisone.

What are the possible side effects of Uniretic?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: abdominal pain, back pain, cramps, cough, diarrhea, upset stomach, dizziness, fatigue, fever, flu-like symptoms, headache, impotence, increased blood sugar

Can I receive Uniretic if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant, contact your doctor immediately for instructions on how to safely discontinue Uniretic. If you plan to become pregnant, discuss the situation with your doctor as soon as possible.

The effects of Uniretic during breastfeeding are unknown. If Uniretic is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding while you are taking the drug.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Uniretic?

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

How should I store Uniretic?

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and in a tightly closed container.