Sympres belongs to a group of drugs called anti-hypertensives that lower blood pressure. Sympres is used to treat high blood pressure.
In different animal models, Moxonidine has been shown to be a relatively potent antihypertensive agent. Available experimental data suggest that the site of the antihypertensive action of Moxonidine is the central nervous system (CNS). Moxonidine has been shown to bind to I1 imidazoline receptors and to a lesser extent a2-adrenoreceptors. The therapeutic action of Moxonidine appears to result from interaction with I1 receptors located within the rostral ventrolateral medulla, leading to a reduced activity of sympathetic nerves. Moxonidine differs from other available centrally acting antihypertensives by exhibiting only low affinity to central a2-adrenoceptors compared to I1 imidazoline receptors; a2-adrenoceptors are considered the molecular target via which sedation and dry mouth, the most common side effects of centrally acting antihypertensives, are mediated. In humans, Moxonidine leads to a reduction of systemic vascular resistance and consequently in arterial blood pressure.
Treatment should be started with 200 micrograms in the morning. The dose may be titrated after three weeks to 400 micrograms given as single dose or as divided daily doses (morning and evening) until a satisfactory response is achieved. If the response is still unsatisfactory after a further 3 weeks treatment, the dosage can be increased up to a maximum of 600 micrograms in divided doses (morning and evening). A single dose of 400 micrograms and a daily dose of 600 micrograms of Moxonidine should not be exceeded. Moxonidine may be taken with or without food.
Always consult a registered doctor before taking any medicine. This information is for general knowledge only.
Asthenia, Headache, Pain, Abdominal Pain Back Pain Dizziness, Dry mouth, Somnolence, Vertigo
Hypersensitivity to any component Sick sinus syndrome Bradycardia (resting heart rate <50 beats/minute) AV-block 2nd and 3rd degree Cardiac insufficiency
Concurrent administration of Sympres and other antihypertensive agents enhances the hypotensive effect of Sympres. The sedative effect of tricyclic antidepressants, tranquilizers, alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics and benzodiazepines can be potentiated by Sympres. Sympres moderately augmented the impaired performance in cognitive functions in subjects receiving lorazepam. Since tricyclic antidepressants may reduce the effectiveness of centrally acting antihypertensive agents, it is not recommended that tricyclic antidepressants be co-administered with Sympres. Sympres is excreted through tubular excretion. Interaction with other agents that are excreted through tubular excretion cannot be excluded.
Cessation of combination therapy with beta-blockers: Abrupt cessation of combination therapy with Sympres and a beta-blocker may result in rebound hypertension. If combination therapy with Sympres and a beta-blocker is to be ceased, the beta-blocker should be stopped first and then Sympres stopped after a few days. During cessation of therapy blood pressure should be regularly monitored. Atrioventricular block: Cases of varying degrees of AV block have been reported in the post-marketing setting in patients undergoing Sympres treatment. Based on these case reports, the causative role of Sympres in delaying atrioventricular conduction cannot be completely ruled out. Therefore, caution is recommended when treating patients with a possible predisposition to developing an AV block. When Sympres is used in patients with 1st degree AV block, special care should be exercised to avoid bradycardia. Sympres must not be used in higher degree AV blocks. Caution is advised in the administration of Sympres to patients with renal impairment as Sympres is excreted primarily via kidney. Careful titration of the dose is recommended in patients with renal impairment, specially at the start of therapy. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactose deficiency or glucose galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product.