minoxidil – oral, Loniten

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GENERIC NAME: MINOXIDIL – ORAL (min-OX-i-dil)

BRAND NAME(S): Loniten

WARNING: Minoxidil may cause serious heart problems or worsen chest pain (angina). Therefore, this medication is only used when other treatments have not worked well or cannot be taken.

Your doctor should direct you to also take other medications to reduce the side effects of minoxidil. These medications include a "water pill" (diuretic) to prevent the body from holding on to too much water and salt and a heart medication (such as a beta blocker including propranolol) to prevent the heart from working too hard or beating too fast.

Your doctor will closely monitor you while taking this medication. Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.

USES: Minoxidil is used with other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Minoxidil works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before starting this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice a day. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on weight. Your doctor may direct you to start at a low dose and gradually increase. Take this medication and your other blood pressure medications regularly to get the most benefit from them. To help you remember, take them at the same time(s) each day. It is important to continue taking your medications even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may worsen when this drug is suddenly stopped. It may take several days to a couple of weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsen (your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If either effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Minoxidil may cause increased growth or darkening of fine body hairs. If this bothers you, consult your doctor. When you stop taking the medication, the hair will usually return to normal within 1 to 6 months. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: swelling hands/ankles/feet/abdomen, unexplained/sudden weight gain, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, fainting. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest/jaw/left arm pain. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking minoxidil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: pheochromocytoma, heart problems (such as heart failure, chest pain, recent heart attack), kidney disease, a certain lung disease (pulmonary hypertension). This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk, but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: guanethidine. Check the labels on all your medicines (such as cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist for more details.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you. Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood minerals levels, kidney function) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. Have your blood pressure and pulse (heart rate) checked regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure and pulse at home, and share the results with your doctor.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.