What is Loniten/Minoxidil used for?

This medicine is used in combination with other blood pressure medicines to lower high blood pressure in patients who do not respond to other therapy. It should not be used to promote hair growth.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Loniten/Minoxidil be stored?

Store at controlled room temperature (68 to 77 degrees F). Protect from direct heat, light and moisture. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children

General drug information:

When should Loniten/Minoxidil not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine you have a tumor of the adrenal gland

What precautions should I follow when taking Loniten/Minoxidil?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription medicine or dietary supplement if you are taking guanethidine if you have a history of congestive heart failure or other heart problems if you have severe, uncontrolled high blood pressure if you have kidney disease if you have any other medical condition

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Loniten/Minoxidil?

This medicine must be administered under the supervision of a qualified health care provider. Serious heart problems, including worsening of chest pain, can occur.

What are the side effects of Loniten/Minoxidil?

Most severe:ÿ Rash; hives; swelling; increased chest, arm, or shoulder pain; increased heart rate; difficulty breathing; weight gain.

Most common:ÿ Excessive hair growth; changes in body hair; nausea; vomiting.

Other:ÿ Breast tenderness; dizziness; lightheadedness; fainting.

How should I take Loniten/Minoxidil?

How much medicine you are taking and how often it is taken depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. This medicine will be administered under the supervision of a qualified health care provider. Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments. Continue to take all of your high blood pressure medicines according to your doctor's instructions. Do not stop taking this medicine unless advised to do so by your doctor. Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur if you stand up too fast from lying or sitting. Get up slowly and avoid sudden posture changes. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness. Patients being treated for high blood pressure often feel tired or rundown for a few weeks after beginning therapy. Continue taking your medication even though you may not feel quite "normal." Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. Weigh yourself daily. Contact your doctor about rapid weight gain (more than 5 pounds) or face, hands, ankles or stomach swelling. Excess hair growth may occur 3 to 6 weeks. This disappears 1 to 6 months after stopping treatment. Unwanted hair can be controlled with a hair remover or by shaving. Contact your health care provider immediately if any of the following signs occur: Increased heart rate, rapid weight gain (more than 5 pounds); difficulty breathing; chest pain; dizziness; lightheadedness; fainting. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Do not take over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements without talking with your health care provider. Patients with other medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take more medicine or change the dose unless advised to do so by your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised to by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider.