Moxonidine, also known as Physiotens, is a highly selective imidazoline receptor agonist-Ⅰ by excitement ventrolateral medulla nucleus (RVLM)-Ⅰ type imidazoline receptor in the peripheral sympathetic nerve activity decreased. This receptor subtype is found in both the rostral ventro-lateral pressor and ventromedial depressor areas of the medulla oblongata.
Moxonidine therefore causes a decrease in sympathetic nervous system activity and, therefore, a decrease in blood pressure.
It is a new type of antihypertensive drug, commonly used in the treatment of essential hypertension. Compared to the older central-acting antihypertensives, moxonidine binds with much greater affinity to the imidazoline I1-receptor than to the α2-receptor. In contrast, clonidine binds to both receptors with equal affinity.
It may have a role when thiazides, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers are not appropriate or have failed to control blood pressure.
