moxonidine

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

moxonidine stimulates alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brainstem. This results in decreased nerve signals to the blood vessels and the heart, leading to relaxation of blood vessels and a decrease in heart rate and cardiac output.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Bradycardia 

Tinnitus 

headache  

Dizziness 

Somnolence  

Syncope 

Hypotension  

Diarrhea  

Dry mouth  

Nausea 

Vomiting 

Dyspepsia  

Pruritus 

Angioedema  

Oedema  

Insomnia 

Nervousness 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to moxonidine or any of its components should not use this medication. 

Caution: 

• Caution is advised in individuals with renal impairment. 
• Individuals with lower blood pressure should use moxonidine with caution. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

moxonidine’s pharmacological effect is the reduction of blood pressure. 

By activating central alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, it reduces the release of norepinephrine, which in turn reduces sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system. 

Pharmacodynamics 

moxonidine’s primary therapeutic effect is the reduction of blood pressure. 

The combined effects of vasodilation, decreased cardiac output, and reduced sympathetic activity led to a decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

moxonidine is well-absorbed when taken orally. 

The peak plasma concentrations of moxonidine are reached within 2 to 4 hours after oral administration. 

Distribution 

moxonidine is distributed throughout the body. 

Metabolism 

moxonidine undergoes hepatic metabolism to form metabolites. 

Elimination and excretion 

moxonidine is primarily excreted in urine. The elimination half-life of moxonidine is approximately 2 to 3 hours. 

Adminstartion

Administration 

moxonidine is administered orally and available in the form of a tablet.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: moxonidine 

Why do we use moxonidine? 

moxonidine is used for the management of hypertension.  

moxonidine is also used to help manage symptoms of opioid withdrawal.