Moexipril - What you need to know about this high blood pressure medication

High blood pressure, or "high blood pressure," is a problem that many people in our country are facing today. Your doctor may have prescribed you medication for high blood pressure. One of the medications prescribed is Moexipril. So, if you are taking this medication, it is very important to be fully informed about it. Let's talk about this simply and honestly today.

What is Moexipril?

Simply put, Moexipril is a medication used to control high blood pressure. It belongs to a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors .

Think of the blood vessels in your body as pipes that carry water. When these pipes become clogged, the heart (like a water pump) has to work harder to pump blood through them. High blood pressure is a condition called high blood pressure. So what this medicine, Moexipril, does is to relax and widen those clogged blood vessels. Then the heart can pump blood more easily without having to work as hard. This not only controls your blood pressure, but also reduces the workload on the heart.

Things to tell your doctor before starting this medication

It is essential that your doctor knows your complete medical history before prescribing this medication. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor .

• If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant: This is very important. This medicine can seriously harm an unborn baby.
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
• If you have kidney or liver disease .
• If you have heart disease or other blood vessel related diseases .
• If you have a weakened immune system or diseases like lupus.
• If you have previously had an allergic reaction such as swelling of the tongue, face, or lips, difficulty breathing, or difficulty swallowing, especially to another type of ACE inhibitor.
• If you have an allergy to moexipril, other ACE inhibitors, insect stings, food, dyes, or preservatives.
• If you are on a low salt diet .
• If you have low blood pressure .

How exactly do I use this medicine?

• This medicine is taken by mouth as a pill. Try to take it at the same time every day , exactly as your doctor has prescribed.
• The most important thing is to take this pill on an empty stomach . That means at least an hour before a meal.
• Don't stop taking your medication just because you feel better. Keep taking it as long as your doctor tells you to.
• If given to children: This may require special care, so talk to your doctor about it.

What to do if you take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken an overdose, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)

Some medications can interact with moexipril. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and traditional medicines.

Especially do not take this medicine with the following:

• Sacubitril; a combination drug called valsartan.

Problems can also occur with these medications:

• Diuretics
• Lithium
• Other medications for high blood pressure
• NSAIDs, which are painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
• Potassium salts or supplements

Things to keep in mind when taking medication

• Regular check-ups: Go to the clinic regularly as directed by your doctor. It's even better if you can measure your blood pressure at home. Ask your doctor what your normal blood pressure should be and if it's higher than that, and if you need to talk to him.
• Pregnancy: Again, if you are expecting or suspect you are pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
• Dehydration: Tell your doctor if you have severe diarrhea, vomiting, or if you are very tired and sweating a lot. Taking this medicine can be dangerous when you lose a lot of fluid from your body.
• Dizziness and drowsiness: This medicine may make you feel a little drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, avoid doing dangerous tasks such as driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are an elderly person, do not get up from a sitting position or get out of bed suddenly. Do this slowly. Otherwise, you may become dizzy and fall. This condition is made worse if you drink alcohol.
• Salt substitutes: Unless your doctor specifically tells you to, do not use store-bought "salt substitutes." They often contain potassium, which can interact with this medication.
• Cough, cold: Do not buy cough, cold, or pain medication from the pharmacy without consulting your doctor. Some of these medications can increase your blood pressure.

What are the possible side effects?

As with any medication, side effects can occur. Some are serious, some are common. It's important to be aware of these.

How should you store your medicine?

• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Store at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius).
• Protect from moisture. Keep the cap of the medicine bottle tightly closed.
• Throw away expired medicine.

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