moexipril hydrochloride
moexipril hydrochloride
Pharmacologic class: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
Therapeutic class: Antihypertensive
Pregnancy risk category C (first trimester), D (second and third trimesters)
FDA Box Warning
• When used during second or third trimester of pregnancy, drug may cause fetal harm or death. Discontinue drug as soon as possible when pregnancy is detected.
Action
Inhibits conversion of angiotensin I to the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II, inactivates bradykinin and other vasodilatory prostaglandins, increases plasma renin levels, and reduces aldosterone levels. Net effect is systemic vasodilation.
Availability
Tablets: 7.5 mg, 15 mg
Indications and dosages
➣ Hypertension
Adults: 7.5 mg P.O. daily 1 hour before a meal; may increase if blood pressure control is inadequate. Range is 7.5 mg to 30 mg/day in one or two divided doses given 1 hour before a meal.
Dosage adjustment
• Renal impairment
• Concurrent diuretic therapy
Contraindications
• Hypersensitivity to drug
• Angioedema secondary to ACE inhibitor use
Precautions
Use cautiously in:
• renal or hepatic impairment, hypovolemia, hyponatremia, aortic stenosis or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, cardiac or cerebrovascular insufficiency
• family history of angioedema
• concurrent diuretic therapy
• black patients
• elderly patients
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients
• children (safety not established).
Administration
• Give 1 hour before meals (food reduces drug absorption).
• Adjust dosage, as ordered, according to blood pressure response.
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Adverse reactions
CNS: dizziness, fatigue
CV: chest pain, peripheral edema
EENT: pharyngitis, sinusitis
GI: nausea, diarrhea
GU: urinary frequency
Metabolic: hyperkalemia
Musculoskeletal: myalgia
Respiratory: upper respiratory infection, increased cough
Skin: rash, flushing, angioedema
Other: fever, flulike symptoms, hypersensitivity reaction
Interactions
Drug-drug. Allopurinol: increased risk of hypersensitivity reaction
Antacids: decreased moexipril absorption
Antihypertensives, general anesthetics, nitrates, phenothiazines: additive hypotension
Cyclosporine, indomethacin, potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, salt substitutes: hyperkalemia
Digoxin, lithium: increased blood levels of these drugs
Diuretics: excessive hypotension
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: blunted antihypertensive response
Drug-diagnostic tests. Alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, potassium: increased levels
Antinuclear antibody: positive titer
Sodium: decreased level
Drug-food. Salt substitutes containing potassium: hyperkalemia
Drug-behaviors. Acute alcohol ingestion: additive hypotension
Patient monitoring
• Monitor vital signs and neurologic and cardiovascular status.
• Assess respiratory status, staying alert for persistent dry cough.
• Evaluate for allergic reactions and angioedema.
• Know that moexipril monotherapy is less effective in black patients, who may need additional concurrent antihypertensives.
Patient teaching
• Instruct patient to take 1 hour before a meal.
• Tell patient to report persistent dry cough and signs or symptoms of infection (especially upper respiratory infection).
• Advise patient to change position slowly (especially during first few days of therapy), to minimize hypotension and dizziness.
• Instruct patient to limit foods high in potassium and avoid salt substitutes containing potassium.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs, tests, foods, and behaviors mentioned above.