Minoxidil Oral
Conditions Treated
Minoxidil is used with other drugs to treat high blood pressure. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily through the body. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Possible Side Effects
What Side Effects Can This Cause?
Minoxidil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- increase in size or darkness of fine body hair
- dizziness
- breast tenderness
- rash
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
If you experience any of the following symptoms, or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
- fast heartbeat
- swollen ankles or feet
- unexplained weight gain
- difficulty breathing
- fainting
Usage Instructions
How Should This Medication Be Used
Minoxidil comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once or twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take minoxidil exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Minoxidil controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take minoxidil even if you feel well. Do not stop taking minoxidil without talking to your doctor.
What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow
Your doctor may prescribe a low-salt or low-sodium diet. Follow these directions carefully.
Are There Any Special Instructions
Before taking minoxidil, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to minoxidil or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other medications for high blood pressure, diuretics ('water pills'), guanethidine, and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart disease, a heart attack, pheochromocytoma, or kidney disease. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking minoxidil. you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how it affects you. ask your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while you are taking minoxidil. Alcohol can make the side effects from minoxidil worse.
Brand Names
Common Brand Names for This Medication
- Loniten®
Overdose
What To Do In The Case of Emergency
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Forgotten Doses
What Should I Do If I Forget A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Additional Information
What Are the Storage Conditions for this Medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What Other Information Should I Know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to minoxidil. Your doctor may order other tests such as EKG (electrocardiogram) to monitor your heart function. Your doctor may ask you to check your pulse (heart rate) daily. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to teach you how to do this. Call your doctor if your heart rate increases by more than 20 beats per minute while at rest. Weigh yourself every day. Call your doctor if you experience rapid weight gain. Do not let any one else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.