Products
Moxonidine is commercially available in tablet form (Physiotens). It has been approved in many countries since 1993.
Structure and properties
Moxonidine (C9H12ClN5O, Mr = 241.7 g/mol) exists as a white powder that is very sparingly soluble in water. It is an imidazoline derivative structurally related to clonidine.
Effects
Moxonidine (ATC C02AC05) has central antihypertensive properties. The effects are due to selective agonism at the imidazoline receptor in the brainstem of the central nervous system. This leads to a reduction in peripheral sympathetic activity. As a result, peripheral vascular resistance decreases and blood pressure falls. Moxonidine has a short half-life of about 2.5 hours.
Indications
For the treatment of hypertension (essential hypertension).
Dosage
According to the professional information. Tablets are taken once or twice daily with or after food.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Syndrome of the sick sinus node
- Sinuauricular as well as atrioventricular conduction disorders of 2nd and 3rd degree.
- Resting bradycardia below 50 beats/minute.
- Heart failure
- Advanced renal dysfunction
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Interactions have been described with other antihypertensives, beta-blockers, central depressant drugs, tolazoline, and drugs that are eliminated by the kidneys.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include dry mouth, headache, dizziness, weakness, and drowsiness.
