Physiotens (Moxonidine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Physiotens Used For?
Physiotens contains the active ingredient moxonidine and is prescribed to help lower high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.
Primary Uses
Physiotens is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure often has no symptoms, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems including stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure.
How It Works
Everyone has blood pressure that helps move blood around the body. You have hypertension when your blood pressure stays higher than normal, even when you are calm or relaxed. Physiotens helps control this condition by lowering your blood pressure.
Good to know: The medicine helps control your condition and it’s important to keep taking it even if you feel well, as high blood pressure often has no symptoms.
How to Take Physiotens
Take Physiotens exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water – do not chew them.
Dosage Instructions
The usual starting dose is one 200 micrograms tablet once per day. Depending on how your blood pressure responds, your doctor may increase your dose to 400 micrograms after 2 weeks, and possibly to 600 micrograms per day after another 2 weeks. If you need 600 micrograms, it should be taken as divided doses, not all at once. Take it at the same time each day for best results. It doesn’t matter if you take it with or without food.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. If there’s still a long time before your next dose, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never take two doses within 6 hours of each other.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose, as this may increase the chance of unwanted side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Lack of energy
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Feeling sick or nausea
- Problems sleeping
- Skin flushing
- Anxiety
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe allergic skin reactions (rash, itching, inflamed or reddened skin)
- Swelling of the limbs
- Angioedema (unusual swelling of face, eyes, lips, inside nose, mouth or throat)
- Shortness of breath
- Breathing or swallowing difficulties
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and precautions to be aware of before taking Physiotens.
Who Should Not Take Physiotens
Do not take Physiotens if you are allergic to moxonidine or any ingredients, are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, are breastfeeding, are aged 75 years or more, have heart problems such as heart failure or abnormal rhythm, have severe kidney disease, or are under 16 years of age.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: angioedema (unusual swelling of face, lips or tongue), depression, epilepsy, glaucoma, heart problems, kidney problems, leg pains or cramps from poor blood circulation, Parkinson’s disease, or Raynaud’s disease.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Physiotens if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Physiotens passes into breast milk. Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits if you are considering taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Age Restriction: Do not give Physiotens to anyone aged 75 years or more, or to children under 16 years of age.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Physiotens and affect how it works, or may be affected by Physiotens.
Important: Tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking, including vitamins and supplements bought without prescription, as dose adjustments may be needed.
- Other medicines to lower blood pressure (may have combined effect)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline and imipramine)
- Sleeping tablets or other medicines that make you drowsy
Alcohol & Driving
Physiotens may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, and alcohol should be avoided while taking this medication.
Alcohol
You should avoid drinking alcohol when taking Physiotens. The effect of taking alcohol with Physiotens has not been studied. Ask your doctor for advice.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Physiotens affects you. Physiotens may cause drowsiness, dizziness or light-headedness in some people. If you experience these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous.
Storage
Keep your tablets in the original pack until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool dry place below 25°C away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car or on window sills. Keep where young children cannot reach it – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above ground is ideal.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Physiotens, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone 13 11 26) for advice, contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. If possible, show the doctor the pack of tablets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your doctor may adjust your dose after 2 weeks depending on how your blood pressure responds, suggesting effects can be evaluated within this timeframe. However, it’s important to keep taking the medicine even if you feel well, as it helps control your condition.
Yes, it doesn’t matter if you take Physiotens with or without food. Take it at the same time each day for best results.
Do not stop taking Physiotens suddenly or change the dosage without checking with your doctor. The medicine helps control your blood pressure but doesn’t cure it, so it’s important to continue taking it as prescribed.
You should avoid drinking alcohol when taking Physiotens. The effect of taking alcohol with Physiotens has not been studied, so ask your doctor for advice.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. If there’s still a long time before your next dose, take it as soon as you remember. Never take two doses within 6 hours of each other or double up on doses.
No, Physiotens should not be given to anyone aged 75 years or more. If you’re in this age group, discuss alternative treatments with your doctor.
If you feel light-headed, dizzy or faint when getting out of bed or standing up, get up slowly. Make sure you drink enough water, especially during exercise and hot weather. If dizziness continues or gets worse, talk to your doctor.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.