Loniten

Brand Name:Loniten

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Minoxidil is an oral medication used to treat high blood pressure. It is primarily used to lower severely elevated blood pressure. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. The body tries to counteract this quick drop in blood pressure by holding on to more water and making the heart beat faster. This explains why minoxidil is often given along with a water pill (diuretic) and/or other blood pressure medications to control the heart rate. Minoxidil is usually used when a patient has not responded to more traditional treatments.

Minoxidil also comes in a topical form. Studies have shown that in its topical form (Rogaine), minoxidil stimulates hair growth in individuals with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness).

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

Minoxidil may increase chest pain (angina). If you experience chest pain while you are taking this medication, call your doctor immediately.

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to minoxidil. The oral formulation of minoxidil should be avoided or used with extreme caution. Before taking the oral formulation of minoxidil, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • angina - minoxidil may worsen chest pain
  • heart attack or stroke- rapid lowering of blood pressure may make things worse if you have already experienced a heart attack or stroke
  • heart or blood vessel disease- minoxidil may lead to increase fluid retention in the body
  • kidney disease- increased effects of minoxidil because of poorer removal of minoxidil from the body
  • pheochromocytoma - minoxidil may cause this tumor to become more active, resulting in an increased heart rate and blood pressure

What about possible side effects?

Some common side effects are:

  • fast or irregular heartbeat- tell your doctor if this occurs
  • swelling of feet or lower legs
  • more and darker body hair
  • salt and water retention
  • weight gain - if sudden and excessive tell your doctor

These side effects are usually related to dose and should go away with time or with a slower increase to your target dose.

Other less common side effects include:

  • chest pain - tell your doctor if this occurs
  • shortness of breath - tell your doctor if this occurs
  • rash

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking:

  • guanethidine (combination may cause profound decrease in blood pressure upon standing from a sitting or lying position)
  • any other blood pressure medication (may cause additive decrease in blood pressure)
  • nitrates (may cause sudden drop in blood pressure)
  • any over-the-counter medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems (these non-prescription medicines may increase blood pressure)

natural licorice (causes your body to retain more salt and water and increase potassium loss)

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

Your doctor may ask you to check your pulse regularly. Tell your doctor if you notice a dramatic increase in your pulse at rest (an extra 20 beats or more). Your doctor may also ask you to weigh yourself daily. While some weight gain while on minoxidil is normal you should let your doctor know if you suddenly gain 2kg (5 pounds) or more.

How to take: The recommended initial daily dosage of minoxidil for adults and children over 12 years of age is 2.5 mg twice daily. Because the effective dosage is usually between 10 mg and 40 mg daily your doctor may gradually increase the amount of minoxidil that you take until your blood pressure is under control.

Children: Can be used in children. Talk to your doctor.

Seniors: Are more sensitive to the effects if minoxidil and lower doses are usually necessary, especially at the start of therapy.

Pregnant women: Safety not established. Therefore, minoxidil should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the risk. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: This drug passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know how this drug affects them personally; may cause dizziness.

Alcohol: You may become dizzy if alcohol is consumed in excessive amounts. If you drink, always drink in moderation.

Overdose: Symptoms of an overdose may include extremely low blood pressure, fast heart rate, headache, nausea, fainting, weakness, warm flushed skin and palpitations. If you experience these symptoms or any other unusual reactions, or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this drug. He or she will likely want to decrease your dose gradually.

If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. However, if you don’t remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Never take a double dose.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: Avoid natural licorice as it causes your body to retain more salt and water and increase potassium loss.