Hypertension Knowledge Centre
Centrally Acting Drugs
Dosage and administration of moxonidine
Moxonidine is indicated in the treatment of mild-to-moderate hypertension. It is available as film coated, pink (0.2mg), pale red (0.3mg) and red (0.4mg) film-coated tablets for oral administration.
The recommended starting dose for most patients is 0.2mg in the morning. This may be increased if necessary after 2-3 weeks to 0.4mg daily in single or divided doses, and after a further 2-3 weeks to a maximum of 0.6mg daily in divided doses. The usual maintenance dose for most patients is 0.4mg per day. Moxonidine may be taken with or without food.
If stopping treatment with moxonidine, this should be carried out gradually over a period of two weeks.
Moxonidine may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensives, such as thiazide-type diuretics, calcium-channel blockers, and angiotensin-II receptor antagonists. If used in conjunction with a beta-blocker, in the event of treatment cessation, the patient should stop the beta-blocker a few days before moxonidine is gradually stopped.
Dosage in elderly patients
No dose adjustment is required in the elderly.
Dosage in patients with renal impairment
In renally impaired patients, the dosage should be titrated according to the individual requirements. In patients with moderate to severe renal impairment the starting dose is 0.2mg/day. If necessary and well tolerated the dose can be increased to 0.4mg/day.
Please consult National SmPC (Summary of Product Characteristics) before prescribing moxonidine.