Uniretic

Uniretic used in treating high blood pressure or hypertension. High blood pressure brings more work to the heart and arteries. When left untreated, the heart and arteries may stop functioning well.

This can result in damage to the blood vessels of the heart, brain, and kidneys, which may cause a stroke, kidney failure, or heart failure. By lowering blood pressure, the risk of strokes and heart attacks are decreased.

Moexipril is an ACE or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor that works by blocking a certain substance in the body that causes the tightening of the blood vessels.

This results in the relaxation of the blood vessels and lowering of the blood pressure while increasing the supply of oxygen and blood to the heart.

On the other hand, hydrochlorothiazide is a water pill or diuretic that helps lower the blood pressure by reducing the amount of water in the body by increasing urine output. This combination drug is available only with a doctor’s prescription.

If you are about to start Uniretic, speak with your doctor about what you need to know. The risks and benefits the medicine offer must be weighed.

For Uniretic, you and your doctor must consider the following:

Allergies: If you have any unusual reaction to any medicine, including moexipril, be sure to tell your doctor about it. Additionally, disclose other types of allergies - foods, preservatives, animals, or dyes, if there are any. Read the package ingredients carefully and make sure you are not allergic to any of its ingredients.

Pediatric: There are no appropriate studies done to establish safety and effectiveness of telmisartan intake in children.

Geriatric: While there are no age-specific studies that are done to determine the effects of this medicine in the geriatric population, no problems are reported to date. Nevertheless, using this drug in the elderly may require utmost caution, since the elderly is more prone to age-related kidney problems.

Pregnancy: Studies show that using this medicine while pregnantly is risky to the fetus. In life-threatening situations, however, the benefits may outweigh the potential risks.

Breastfeeding: For Moexipril: Although there are no adequate studies in lactating mothers that determine potential risk in an infant when breastfeeding, the potential benefits should be weighed against the risks before taking this medication.

For hydrochlorothiazide: intake may alter the composition and production of milk. Hence, close monitoring of the breastfeeding infant is required to check for adequate milk intake and potential side effects.

Drug Interactions: Certain medicines have adverse effects when used together. Nevertheless, it is still possible to take other medicines when taking moexipril. Make sure to inform your doctor about other drugs you are taking, so that alterations and precautions will be made if necessary.

Before taking this drug, talk to your doctor about possible interactions if you are taking other medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

Other Medical Problems: The use of this drug may be affected due to the presence of certain medical conditions.

Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor about any medical conditions you have:

• history of or existing angioedema
• anuria
• diabetes
• asthma
• collagen vascular disease
• congestive heart failure
• dehydration
• diarrhea
• heart disease
• blood vessel disease
• hyponatremia
• kidney disease
• edema
• fluid imbalance
• secondary angle closure glaucoma
• gout
• hypercholesterolemia
• liver disease
• myopia
• systemic lupus erythematosus

To use Uniretic properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Uniretic should be used only after other medicines have not worked or have brought unwanted side effects.

Apart from this drug, your doctor may also advise doing proper weight control and diet changes. Any changes in diet must be consulted first with your doctor.

While many people with hypertension do not notice any sign of the condition, it is crucial to take the medicine regularly even if you are feeling well and normal. This medicine is not a cure for high blood pressure; it only helps control it.

Hence, taking it continuously is necessary to keep your blood pressure within the normal level. Most patients take medication for high blood pressure for the rest of their lives, so it may be possible that you will need to do the same. This medicine is best taken on an empty stomach or at least an hour before meals.

Dosing: The dose of moexipril and hydrochlorothiazide depends on the patient's age, weight, and symptoms, as well as the strength of the medicine. Do not change the dosage the doctor indicated unless he or she told you otherwise.

The number of doses and the number of hours between doses generally depend on the reason why you are taking moexipril and hydrochlorothiazide. Generally, doctors prescribe 1-2 tablets a day.

Missed dose: Take the missed dose as soon as possible. In case it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and follow your regular dosing schedule. Never take double doses.

Storage:Keep the medicine in an airtight container at normal room temperature. Keep it away from direct light, heat, and moisture. Do not let it freeze. Keep the medicine out of children’s reach.

Before using Uniretic, there are some precautions you must take. It is crucial to have regular visits to the doctor while using this medicine. This is to keep track with your progress, see if the medicine is working properly, and check for unwanted effects.

Using Uniretic during pregnancy is harmful to the fetus. When using this medicine, it is important to use an effective method of birth control to avoid pregnancy. Consult  your doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant while using this medication.

Taking this drug may cause anaphylaxis or a serious  type of allergic reaction, which could be life-threatening. Emergency medical attention may be required.

If you take this medicine and suffer from a rash, itching, breathing difficulties, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, throat, arms or legs, call your doctor at once.

Moreover, call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing severe stomach pain (can be with or without vomiting or nausea), for this could be a sign of a serious condition called intestinal angioedema.

The medicine may make you drowsy or less alert so avoids driving, using machines, or doing anything that may be dangerous when you are less alert than normal. Call your doctor immediately if you experience severe nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting while taking this drug.

These conditions may result in too much water loss that may lead to low blood pressure. Do not take any other medicine without discussing them first with your doctor.

Consult your doctor if any symptoms of liver problems are present. These symptoms include nausea, vomiting, pale stools, dark-colored urine, loss of appetite, stomach pain (particularly in the upper area of the stomach) or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

It is possible that hyperkalemia or high levels of potassium in the blood may occur. Go to your doctor if you feel any of its symptoms, including abdominal pain, confusion, irregular heartbeat, breathing difficulties, nausea or vomiting, weakness or heaviness of the legs, tingling or numbness in the hands, feet, or lips, nervousness, or shortness of breath.

Consult your doctor first before taking salt substitutes or supplements that contain potassium. In the case of other medical and dental procedures, inform the doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking this medicine.

Do not take any other medicines unless with your doctor’s approval. This includes nonprescription drugs for asthma, appetite control, cough and cold, hay fever, or sinus problems.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Uniretic. Not all of the side effects listed below may occur, but once they do, medical attention may be required.

If you are having any of the following side effects, consult your doctor as soon as possible:

• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Decreased urination
• Faintness, Dizziness, or Lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• Unusual tiredness or Weakness
• Dry mouth
• Fast, Slow, or Irregular heartbeat
• Seizures
• Trembling
• Muscle cramps
• Muscle pain
• Wrinkled skin
• Tingling, Pain, Numbness, or Weakness in the feet or hands
• Rapid breathing
• Sunken eyes
• Sweating
• Thirst
• Weakness and Heaviness of the legs

Some of these side effects may not require medical attention and may go away as your body adjusts to the effects of the medicine. You may still call your doctor to inform him or her about your symptoms.

Your doctor may give you instructions on how to reduce the side effects or prevent them from taking place. If you want to report any side effects to the FDA, you may do so by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.