You should take Moxonidine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take it as a whole (without crushing or chewing it) with sufficient amount of water. It can be taken before, during or after meals, as food does not affect the working of Moxonidine.

In case you are prescribed a single lowest dose of Moxonidine, you can take it in the morning. On the other hand, if divided doses are to be taken, one dose can be taken in the morning and the other in the evening.

You should not take Moxonidine if you are allergic to it or have heart function insufficiency. Prefer not to use the medicine if you have a slow heart rate (below 50 beats/minute at rest) or suffer from an abnormal heart rhythm or a change in the rate of the heartbeat (called sick-sinus syndrome or second or third degree AV-block).

Do not stop taking Moxonidine without talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine or your blood pressure is controlled. Suddenly stopping the medicine may cause serious changes in your blood pressure. If required, your doctor will slowly reduce the dose over 2 weeks.

Symptoms of overdose of Moxonidine include headache, feeling sleepy, fall in blood pressure, feeling dizzy, unusual weakness, and slow heart rate. The other symptoms can be dry mouth, being sick, feeling tired, and abdominal pain. In case of overdose contact your doctor or nearest hospital emergency department immediately.

You can take atenolol along with Moxonidine but inform your doctor that you are taking atenolol also. Also, if you plan to stop Moxonidine, stop taking atenolol few days before you stop Moxonidine. This is because stopping both treatments at the same time could result in an increased blood pressure.

Sleep disturbance is a common side effect of Moxonidine. This tends to be mild and settles down soon. Other common side effects may include headache, dizziness, vertigo (a spinning sensation), and sleepiness. Contact your doctor if these effects persist or worry you.

Moxonidine belongs to antihypertensive class of medicines. It is used to lower blood pressure of hypertensive patients.