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EspañolMinoxidil overview
Generic Names:
Minoxidil
Uses:
Treats high blood pressure.
Therapeutic Classes:
Antihypertensive, Peripheral Vasodilator
Forms:
Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Minoxidil used for?
Minoxidil belongs to the vasodilators drug class and is used to treat severe hypertension. It also may be used to treat other conditions as prescribed by your doctor. Minoxidil works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow easily. It is usually used along with other medication. It is available to children and adults in the form of a foam solution.
What form(s) does Minoxidil come in
Tablet
What are common Minoxidil doses?
Tablet 2.5MG
Tablet 10MG
Bottle 25GM of
Common Minoxidil prescriptions
Minoxidil
10mg tabletMinoxidil
2.5mg tablet
How to take Minoxidil
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.
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.
What to do if you miss a dose of Minoxidil
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.
Minoxidil 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).
Minoxidil 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.
Lightheadedness or fainting
Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
Tightness in chest and trouble breathing
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Unusual tiredness or weakness
Minoxidil interactions
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®).
Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Minoxidil side effects
Serious Side Effects
Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
Unusual tiredness or weakness
Tightness in chest and trouble breathing
Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)
Fast heartbeat
Fever, chills, sore throat
Lightheadedness or fainting
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Less Serious Side Effects
Change in color or growth of facial or body hair
Problems with vision
Breast swelling or tenderness (in both men and women)
Weight gain