Treats high blood pressure that has not been controlled with other medicines
Brand Names:
Loniten
Contraindications:
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)
Uses:
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.
Storage:
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.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
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®).
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.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)
Fast heartbeat
Fever, chills, sore throat
Lightheadedness or fainting
Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
Tightness in chest and trouble breathing
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Unusual tiredness or weakness
Breast swelling or tenderness (in both men and women)
