Minoxidil (By mouth)
min-OX-i-dil
Treats high blood pressure.
Drug classes
Antihypertensive, Peripheral Vasodilator (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Minoxidil belongs to the general class of medicines called antihypertensives. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.
Minoxidil works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood passes through them more easily. This helps to lower blood pressure.
Minoxidil has other effects that could be bothersome for some patients. These include increased hair growth, weight gain, fast heartbeat, and chest pain. Before you take this medicine, be sure that you have discussed the use of it with your doctor.
Minoxidil is being applied to the scalp in liquid form by some balding men to stimulate hair growth. However, improper use of liquids made from minoxidil tablets can result in minoxidil being absorbed into the body, where it may cause unwanted effects on the heart and blood vessels.
Minoxidil is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions about any special diet.
If a dose is missed:
If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Avoid also using minoxidil for hair loss (Rogaine®) while you are taking minoxidil by mouth. Using these medicine together may increase the chances of unwanted side effects.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using other blood pressure medicine (such as atenolol, metoprolol, Accupril®, Altace®, Cardizem®, Cardura®, Hytrin®, Lotensin®, Lotrel®, Monopril®, Plendil®, Prinivil®, Tiazac®, Toprol®, Vasotec®, Zestril®).
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to minoxidil, or if you have pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland).
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease (especially congestive heart failure or recent heart attack), liver disease, kidney disease (or are on dialysis), or history of a stroke.
If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.
Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)
Fast heartbeat
Lightheadedness or fainting
Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
Tightness in chest and trouble breathing
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Unusual tiredness or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Breast swelling or tenderness (in both men and women)
Change in color or growth of facial or body hair
Problems with vision
Weight gain
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Loniten
There may be other brand names for this medicine.