Minoxidil Oral Description

Generic Name : MINOXIDIL ORAL

Pronunciation : (mi nox' I dill)

Trade Name(s) : Mintop, Multigain

Why it is prescribed: Minoxidil is used in combination with other medications (diuretics and beta blockers) to treat severe high blood pressure. It relaxes blood vessel walls so that blood flows more smoothly through them.

When it is to be taken: Minoxidil is usually taken once or twice a day. Minoxidil controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Therefore, minoxidil must be taken on a regular schedule, as prescribed by your doctor, to be effective. Follow the instruction on your prescription label, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand.

How it should be taken: Minoxidil comes in tablet form. Your prescription label tells you how much to take each dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Have your blood pressure checked regularly to determine your response to this medication. Keep all appointments with your doctor.
2. Your doctor may instruct you to measure your heart rate daily. Your doctor can show you how to do this. Contact your doctor if your heart rate increases by more than 20 beats per minute while at rest.
3. Weigh yourself every day and contact your doctor if you experience rapid weight gain.
4. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these dietary instructions carefully.
5. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and take any remaining dose for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, take only the scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects :
1. Lengthening, thickening, and darkening of fine body hair. This effect occurs three to six weeks after the start of treatment and disappears if the drug is discontinued. Use hair removers or shave.
2. Difficulty breathing especially while lying down; dizziness; lightheadedness; fainting; rapid heartbeat; heart pain; rapid weight gain; swelling or puffiness of the face, hands, feet, ankles, lower legs, or stomach area; breast tenderness and enlargement; headache; nausea; skin rash. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors.
2. Before you take minoxidil, tell your doctor what prescription and non prescription medications you are taking, especially guanethidine, diuretics, and other medications for high blood pressure.
3. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, or kidney disease or if you have had a recent heart attack.

Storage Conditions : Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.