Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Moexipril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme. Moexipril lowers blood pressure and also relieves symptoms of fluid retention.

The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and moexipril is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Hydrochlorothiazide and moexipril may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not use this medication if you are unable to urinate.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).

Before taking hydrochlorothiazide and moexipril, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease (or are on dialysis), liver disease, glaucoma, congestive heart failure, gout, lupus, diabetes, or an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin.

Moexipril can cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy. Do not use hydrochlorothiazide and moexipril without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Avoid the regular use of salt substitutes in your diet, and do not take potassium supplements while taking hydrochlorothiazide and moexipril, unless your doctor has told you to.

Conditions that may cause very low blood pressure include: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while taking hydrochlorothiazide and moexipril. Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or moexipril, or if you are unable to urinate.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).

To make sure you can safely take hydrochlorothiazide and moexipril, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• liver disease;

• glaucoma;

• congestive heart failure;

• gout;

• lupus;

• diabetes; or

• an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Moexipril can cause birth defects. Use effective birth control while taking hydrochlorothiazide and moexipril.

Hydrochlorothiazide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.