Uniretic (Moexipril/Hydrochlorothiazide)

What is Uniretic?

Uniretic is a combination of two drugs, namely, moexipril and hydrochlorothiazide. While moexipril belongs to a family of drugs known as ACE inhibitors, hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (water pill).

What is Uniretic used for?

Uniretic is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It lowers high blood pressure which in turn reduces risks of strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.

How does Uniretic work?

Uniretic is a combination of two drugs: moexipril and hydrochlorothiazide.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic. It decreases the amount of fluids (salt and water) in the body by increasing the frequency of urination.

Moexipril is an ACE inhibitor. It relaxes blood vessels and helps blood flow more easily.

A combination of these two effects helps Uniretic lower high blood pressure.

How to use Uniretic

Uniretic should be used in the manner prescribed by a doctor. The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Uniretic is usually taken orally once or twice a day. The drug should ideally be taken on an empty stomach, an hour before a meal.

If you want to avoid getting up from sleep to urinate, take the drug at least 4 hours before bed time.

Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medicine.

Keep taking the medicine even if you feel better as high blood pressure often does not exhibit any symptom at all.

However, if your condition does not improve at all or becomes worse consult your doctor immediately.

Uniretic warnings and precautions

Uniretic is not administered to patients who are allergic to moexipril and hydrochlorothiazide or to an ACE inhibitor.

Before taking the medication, inform your doctor about your medical conditions, especially if you are allergic to sulfa drugs or if you have any of the following conditions: kidney disease, especially if you are on dialysis, congestive heart failure, diabetes, lupus, liver disease or gout. Also inform your doctor if you have prolonged diarrhea or vomiting.

You should take plenty of fluids while undergoing treatment with Uniretic. Talk to your doctor regarding what kind of fluids you should take.

Your blood pressure needs to be monitored on a regular basis.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated. In case you become dehydrated you may have to undergo blood and urine tests.

Also, since Uniretic lowers blood pressure it may cause postural hypotension. So, you should get up slowly from a lying or sitting position. Consumption of alcohol can aggravate dizziness.

You should avoid taking salt or potassium supplements while taking this drug.

This drug can alter thyroid test results.

Uniretic can cause serious birth defects. It can also pass through breast milk and can cause harm to a nursing baby. Therefore, pregnant and lactating women should not take this drug. Also, inform your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

What do I do if I have missed a Uniretic dose?

If you have missed a Uniretic dose, take it as soon as you remember. If, however, it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose can be skipped. Do not take a double dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Uniretic overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Uniretic, seek medical attention immediately.

Uniretic interactions

Some drugs which may interact with Uniretic are: NSAIDs, tetracycline antibiotics, cholestyramine, steroids, digoxin, insulin or oral diabetes medication, gold injection (used to treat arthritis), lithium or other diuretics.

It is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription/non prescription drugs/herbal medicines that you are taking, before using Uniretic.

You should not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Uniretic side effects

Side effects from Uniretic include allergic reactions such as swelling of tongue, face, throat, hives, redness of skin etc. as well as some serious symptoms such as jaundice, red, blistering skin rash, body aches, fever, symptoms of flu, symptoms of low or high potassium levels in blood, nausea, vomiting, decreased urination, dry mouth, increased thirst, weakness, drowsiness, restlessness, light-headedness, weight gain, shortness of breath, or swelling.

Headache, diarrhea, constipation, muscle pain or back pain, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, cough, insomnia, nasal discharge, increased perspiration, and mild skin rash are some less serious side effects of Uniretic.