DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Minoxidil Tablets (mi-NOX-i-dil)
Brand Name: Generic only. No brands available.

Minoxidil may cause serious heart problems, including worsening of chest pain. Minoxidil is usually given with beta-blockers to prevent certain heart side effects and with diuretics to prevent serious fluid build-up. If you have severe, uncontrolled high blood pressure or if you take guanethidine, you should only begin taking Minoxidil under direct medical supervision (eg, in a hospital). You will be monitored to prevent side effects, which may occur if your blood pressure lowers too much or too quickly.

Minoxidil is used for:

Lowering high blood pressure in patients who do not respond to other therapy.

Minoxidil is a vasodilator. It reduces blood pressure by relaxing and dilating (widening) blood vessels. Blood flows more freely and at a lower pressure through dilated blood vessels.

Do NOT use Minoxidil if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Minoxidil
• you have a tumor of the adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Minoxidil:

Some medical conditions may interact with Minoxidil. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have blood flow problems, congestive heart failure or other heart problems, or have had a heart attack
• if you have kidney problems or are on dialysis

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Minoxidil. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Guanethidine because lightheadedness, especially upon standing, may occur

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Minoxidil may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Minoxidil:

Use Minoxidil as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Minoxidil comes with an additional patient leaflet. Read it carefully and reread it each time you get Minoxidil refilled.
• Minoxidil may be taken with or without food.
• If you miss a dose of Minoxidil, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Minoxidil.

Important safety information:

• Minoxidil may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or changes in vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Minoxidil. Using Minoxidil alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Minoxidil may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness.
• Patients being treated for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after beginning therapy. Continue taking your medication even though you may not feel quite "normal."
• Weigh yourself daily while you are taking Minoxidil. Check with your doctor if you quickly gain 5 pounds or more or if there is swelling or puffiness of the face, hands, ankles or stomach.
• LAB TESTS, including electrolyte counts, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Minoxidil during pregnancy. Minoxidil is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while using Minoxidil.

Possible side effects of Minoxidil:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Changes in body hair; excessive hair growth; mild weight gain; nausea; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); changes in hearing or vision; difficulty breathing; excessive, sudden weight gain; fainting; lightheadedness; increased chest, arm, or shoulder pain; increased heart rate; pounding heartbeat; swelling.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center ( http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include fainting; fast pulse; lightheadedness.

Proper storage of Minoxidil:

Store Minoxidil at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Minoxidil out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Minoxidil, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Minoxidil is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Minoxidil. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.