Brand Name(s): Loniten
Generic Name Minoxidil Oral
What are minoxidil tablets?
MINOXIDIL (Loniten®) is a vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels; when taken by mouth minoxidil helps to treat high blood pressure. It is not a cure and must be taken regularly to control blood pressure. Generic minoxidil tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•angina
•heart or blood vessel disease
•kidney disease
•lung disease
•pheochromocytoma
•previous heart attack
•an unusual or allergic reaction to minoxidil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take minoxidil tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with minoxidil?
•antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
•female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
•medicines for chest pain
•medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
•medicines for high blood pressure
•monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™)
•water pills
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking minoxidil?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations
•difficulty breathing
•dizziness or fainting spells
•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
•skin rash or itching
•stiff or swollen joints
•sudden weight gain
•swelling of the feet or legs
•unusual weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•headache
•unusual hair growth, on the face, arm, and back
What should I watch for while taking minoxidil?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly; this is important while you are taking minoxidil. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be and when you should contact him or her. While you are taking minoxidil, keep a check on your weight. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you rapidly gain more then 5 pounds.
You may need to follow a special low-sodium diet while taking minoxidil. Check with your prescriber or health care professional.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, headache or pain while you are taking minoxidil, without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking minoxidil.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:08/31/2006 |
? 2007 Express Scripts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
These materials are the property of Express Scripts, Inc. and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other laws. Permission for use is granted only for personal, noncommercial purposes.