Advertising Survey

We would like your input on how advertising is currently used in the site.

Please take this short survey to help us out.

Hide this message

Home > Medicines & Drugs > Moexipril

Print this page

Moexipril

  • Moexipril is used to treat high blood pressure.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor.
  • The main side effects are dizziness (especially when standing from a seated or lying position) and a dry cough.

About moexipril

Type of medicineACE inhibitor
Used forHigh blood pressure (hypertension)
Also calledPerdix®
Available asTablets

Moexipril works by preventing the production of a hormone called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to narrow, and leads to the production of another hormone called aldosterone which increases the amount of fluid in the blood. The action of moexipril results in the widening of blood vessels and a reduction in the amount of fluid in the blood, which together reduce the blood pressure.

Before taking moexipril

Before taking moexipril make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from kidney or liver problems.
  • If you have heart failure.
  • If you suffer from a collagen vascular disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or scleroderma.
  • If you are on a salt restricted diet or use salt substitutes which contain potassium.
  • If you have cardiomyopathy (cardiac muscle disease) or aortic stenosis (narrowing of the blood vessel from the heart).
  • If you have atherosclerosis (the build up of fatty deposits on the walls of arteries).
  • If you suffer from peripheral vascular disease (a particular type of poor circulation).
  • If you are dehydrated (for example if you have had diarrhoea and sickness very recently).
  • If you have a history of angioedema (where the face, tongue and throat swell) or have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • If you are having LDL apheresis (the removal of cholesterol from the blood by a machine).
  • If you are having desensitisation treatment for bee and wasp stings.
  • If you have dialysis treatment.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take moexipril

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take moexipril exactly as directed by your doctor. Your doctor may advise that you take your very first dose of moexipril just before going to bed.
  • To avoid missing any doses, try to take moexipril at the same time on each day.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses on the same day to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. You will probably have to undergo blood tests and blood pressure tests to ensure the dose you are taking is right for you.
  • Try to avoid too much alcohol, as it will affect your blood pressure. If you do drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking moexipril.
  • Treatment with moexipril is usually life-long.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with moexipril.

Can moexipril cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Possible side-effectsWhat can I do if I experience this
Light-headedness or dizziness when getting up from a sitting or lying position especially the first time you take moexiprilGetting up slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing. If this continues, speak with your doctor
Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, constipationAfter a few days these will usually improve. If they continue, speak to your pharmacist or doctor
Dry coughIf you suffer from a prolonged dry cough, starting shortly after your treatment with moexipril, contact your doctor. An alternative medicine may be available that does not cause the problem
Tiredness, drowsinessMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
'Pins and needles', muscle and joint pain, skin rash, itching, changes in taste, sinusitis, a blocked or runny nose, sore throat, hair loss, weight changes, dry mouth, flushing, sweating, changes in mood, difficulty breathing and an increased sensitivity to sunlightSpeak with your doctor if any of these are troublesome

Important: If you experience swelling of the throat, tongue or face go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital immediately.

Important: If you experience chest pain, severe back pain, develop a severe sore throat, mouth ulcers, fever or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store moexipril

  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Perdix®, UCB Pharma Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2006, accessed November 2008.
  • British National Formulary; 56th Edition (September 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2010DocID: 1084DocRef: dils3665Last Reviewed: 5 Jan 2009Version: 24
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
Provide feedback