.
Moexipril is used to treat high blood pressure, and is in a family of drugs known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Potassium
An uncommon yet potentially serious side effect of taking ACE inhibitors is increased blood
potassium levels.1 2 3 This problem is more likely to occur
in people with advanced kidney disease. Taking potassium supplements,4
potassium-containing salt substitutes (No Salt®, Morton Salt Substitute®, and
others),5 6 7 or large amounts of high-potassium foods (such
as bananas and other fruit) at the same time as ACE inhibitors could cause
life-threatening problems.8 Therefore, people should consult their healthcare
practitioner before supplementing additional potassium and should have their blood levels of
potassium checked periodically while taking ACE inhibitors.
Lithium
Lithium is a mineral that may be present in some supplements and is also used in large amounts
to treat mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder. Taking lithium at the same time as ACE
inhibitors may increase blood levels of the mineral.9 Controlled studies are needed
to determine whether taking moexipril together with the tiny amounts of lithium present in
some supplements might produce similar side effects. People taking moexipril should exercise
caution when supplementing with lithium until more information is available.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Taking moexipril with food dramatically reduces the absorption of the drug, especially when
taken with a high-fat meal.10 Therefore, moexipril should be taken an hour before
or two hours after a meal.
Low-salt diet
Taking moexipril while on a low-salt diet might cause excessively low blood
pressure.11 Therefore, people taking moexipril should notify their healthcare
practitioner before starting a low-salt diet.
Summary of Interactions for Moexipril
| Depletion or interference | Lithium
(prescription) Potassium |
|---|---|
| Adverse interaction | High-potassium foods* Lithium (supplements) Low-salt diet Potassium supplements* Salt substitutes* |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Supportive interaction | None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | Food |
For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
References:
1. Good CB, McDermott L, McCloskey B. Diet and serum potassium in patients on ACE inhibitors. JAMA 1995;274:538.
2. Rush JE, Merrill DD. The Safety and tolerability of lisinopril in clinical trials. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 1987;9(Suppl 3):S99–107.
3. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 1965–8.
4. Burnakis TG, Mioduch HJ. Combined therapy with captopril and potassium supplementation. A potential for hyperkalemia. Arch Intern Med 1984;144:2371–2.
5. Burnakis TG. Captopril and increased serum potassium levels. JAMA 1984;252:1682–3 [letter].
6. Ray K, Dorman S, Watson R. Severe hyperkalemia due to the concomitant use of salt substitutes and ACE inhibitors in hypertension: a potentially life threatening interaction. J Hum Hypertens 1999;13:717–20.
7. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 1965–8.
8. Stoltz ML. Severe hyperkalemia during very-low-calorie diets and angiotensin converting enzyme use. JAMA 1990;264:2737–8 [letter].
9. Sifton DW, et. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2871–3.
10. Sifton DW, et. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2871–3.
11. Sifton DW, et. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2871–3.
Copyright © 2002 VitaminLore, Inc. All rights reserved. www.VitaminLore.com
Please read the disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article.
Click here Buy Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements at very low prices..
Buy Brand name Vitamins for less from www.vitaminlore.com. Safetychecker.
The information presented in VitaminLore is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.