CARDIOLOGY

PHYSIOTENS® (moxonidine)
Treating hypertension, not in the blood vessels, but at its source. This is possible with PHYSIOTENS® (moxonidine). This antihypertensive re-sets the blood pressure control system centrally, while maintaining the patient’s ability to lead an active life without the troublesome side effects like impotence, cold hands and feet, and the possible triggering of attacks of asthma or gout. Moreover, PHYSIOTENS® has additional benefits in metabolic syndrome, a whole cluster of symptoms of which hypertension is one. People with metabolic syndrome often share some common traits. Many are easily stressed smokers, with a sedentary lifestyle. Often they are overweight, prone to non-insulin dependent diabetes (Type 2 diabetes) and high triglyceride levels. These symptoms are typical for someone whose sympathetic system is in permanent ‘overdrive’. This is called Metabolic Syndrome. Most drugs lower blood pressure by reducing the resistance in the blood vessels, and not by acting on the control centers higher up in the brain. PHYSIOTENS® reduces hypertension by its selective action through the sympathetic system. Because it works through the sympathetic system it is possible that PHYSIOTENS® also has beneficial effects on other components of the metabolic syndrome, such as insulin resistance. Preliminary data have supported this. Solvay Pharmaceuticals licensed PHYSIOTENS® from Beyersdorf in 1987, and has since worked on further clinical development of this unique molecule.

	generic name
	brandnames
	product description
	indications
	description of indications
	worldwide availability
	date and country of first launch
	average dosages
	links

generic name
moxonidine
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brandnames
PHYSIOTENS®, FISIOTENS®, NORMATENS® and MOXON®
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product description
PHYSIOTENS® is a so-called selective imidazoline receptor agonist (SIRA), part of a new class of antihypertensive agents that modulate sympathetic activity. PHYSIOTENS® (moxonidine) is an antihypertensive that stops the chain of reactions that leads to high blood pressure. PHYSIOTENS® works in the brain, where blood pressure is regulated.
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indications
Essential hypertension.
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description of indications
Essential hypertension
Hypertension is high blood pressure or a pressure higher than 140/90 mmHg . Essential hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disorder. In general about 20-25% of the population have high blood pressure, of which only about one in five are receiving adequate treatment. High blood pressure is a ‘silent disease’ and usually has no clear symptoms. Many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. Untreated high blood pressure can cause damage to the heart, brain, kidney, and arteries. It also increases the risk of heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure and stroke.
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worldwide availability
PHYSIOTENS® (moxonidine) is available in more than 20 countries world-wide.
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date and country of first launch
1991 in Germany
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maintenance dosages
PHYSIOTENS® (moxonidine) is available as tablets containing 0.2; 0.3; and 0.4 mg. The normal maintenance dose is 0.4 mg once daily. The maximum recommended dosage is 0.6 mg in divided dosages.
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Links
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