Uniretic
Generic Name: Moexipril
What is Uniretic?
Uniretic combines two types of blood pressure medications--moexipril hydrochloride, a medication from a class called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic. Uniretic is used to treat high blood pressure, but not initially. 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?
When taken in pregnancy during the second and third trimesters, ACE inhibitors such as Uniretic can cause injury and even death to the developing baby. If you become pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, stop taking Uniretic and contact your doctor immediately.Contact your doctor immediately if you develop swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, throat, arms, or legs, or if you begin to have difficulty breathing or swallowing while taking Uniretic. You may also develop swelling in the gut, which may cause severe abdominal pain. Seek emergency medical attention.
Lightheadedness can occur, especially during the first few days of therapy. If fainting occurs, stop taking Uniretic and consult your doctor. Excessive sweating, dehydration, vomiting, or diarrhea may lead to an excessive fall in blood pressure because of reduction in body fluid. Consult your doctor if you develop these conditions.
Uniretic may decrease your blood levels of infection-fighting white blood cells. Promptly report any signs of infection, such as a sore throat or a fever, to your doctor.
Rarely, Uniretic may cause a yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), which can be a sign of liver injury. If this occurs tell your doctor immediately.
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, eyes, lips, tongue, or difficulty in breathing) to any other ACE inhibitor, such as captopril or lisinopril. Do not take Uniretic if you have had an allergic reaction to either of its ingredients, or to any sulfonamide drug. Allergic reactions to Uniretic are more likely if you have a history of allergies or wheezing or breathing difficulties.Do not take Uniretic if you do not produce urine.
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Uniretic?
Tell your doctor about 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 allergies, asthma, congestive heart failure, a connective tissue disease (systemic lupus erythematosus), diabetes, gout, liver disease, or kidney disease.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 start with moexipril 7.5 milligrams (mg)/hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg (7.5/12.5 mg), 15/12.5 mg, or 15/25 mg and increase the dose after 2-3 weeks if needed. The recommended dosage range of moexipril is 7.5-30 mg daily, while hydrochlorothiazide is 12.5-50 mg daily. In general, the daily dose of moexipril should not exceed 30 mg. For hydrochlorothiazide, the maximum is 50 mg a day.
How should I take Uniretic?
Take Uniretic 1 hour before a meal, exactly as prescribed by your doctor.What should I avoid while taking Uniretic?
While taking Uniretic, do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium without consulting your doctor.Avoid getting dehydrated, such as sweating excessively, while taking Uniretic to prevent your blood pressure from dropping too low.
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; cholestyramine; colestipol; diabetes medications, such as glyburide and insulin; guanabenz; injectable gold, such as sodium aurothiomalate; lithium; muscle relaxants, such as tubocurarine; narcotics, such as oxycodone; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen and naproxen; potassium-sparing diuretics, such as triamterene or amiloride; 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, cough, diarrhea, upset stomach, dizziness, fatigue, fever, flulike symptoms, headache, impotence, increased blood sugar, rash
Can I receive Uniretic if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Taking Uniretic while you are pregnant can cause serious harm or even death to your unborn baby. The hydrochlorothiazide component of Uniretic is found in breast milk. You and your doctor should decide whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue Uniretic, taking into account the importance of Uniretic to you. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or plan to breastfeed.What should I do if I miss a dose of Uniretic?
If you miss a dose of Uniretic, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once.How should I store Uniretic?
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and in a tightly closed container.
I'm Beth Isaac, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
