Univasc

If you have high blood pressure, your healthcare provider may recommend a drug called Univasc. This medication comes in tablet form and is typically taken once or twice a day, preferably an hour before a meal. Although most people are able to take it without any problems, side effects are possible, including dizziness, diarrhea, and cough.

Univasc Medication Information

What Is Univasc?

Univasc^® (moexipril hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (known medically as hypertension). It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors for short.

(Click Univasc Uses for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes This Medication?

Univasc is made by UCB, Inc., for Schwarz Pharma, LLC.

How Does Univasc Work?

Univasc works by blocking the activity of an enzyme in the body called the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin-converting enzyme helps create a hormone in the body that constricts (narrows) blood vessels, increasing blood pressure. By blocking ACE, less of the blood vessel-narrowing hormone is made, blood vessels relax, and blood pressure lowers.

Clinical Effects

Clinical studies have shown that Univasc lowers blood pressure in people with hypertension more than a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredients).

In these studies, systolic blood pressure (the top number of a blood pressure reading) decreased by 4 to 11 mmHg more in people given Univasc compared to those given a placebo. Diastolic blood pressure (the lower number) decreased by 3 to 6 mmHg more in the Univasc group. Higher Univasc doses tended to cause greater reductions in blood pressure.

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