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Loniten

Drug class: Vasodilators.
Generic name: minoxidil.

What is Loniten?

Loniten, a vasodilator, relaxes and widens the blood vessels to improve blood flow.Loniten treats severe hypertension that causes symptoms or damages your vital organs. It is often given with two other medications to prevent serious side effects.It is not recommended to use Loniten tablets for scalp hair growth. Only the topical version of Minoxidil, Rogaine, is recommended.Loniten can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.

Side effects of Loniten

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, or throat.

Loniten may cause serious side effects. If you experience:

  • Chest pain that is new or worsening
  • Chest pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder
  • Fast or pounding heartbeats
  • You may experience swelling in your ankles, feet, or legs.
  • Rapid weight gain in the face and midsection, especially
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling lightheaded, like you might pass out.
  • Fluid buildup in the lungs: pain when you breathe; feeling short of air while lying down. Wheezing. Cough.
  • Severe skin reaction: fever; sore mouth; swelling of the face, tongue, or eyes. Skin pain.

Loniten can cause the following side effects:

  • Changes in the colour, length, or thickness of facial or body hair;
  • Nausea, vomiting;
  • Rash;
  • Breast pain or tenderness

There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Similar/related drugs

Amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, and hydrochlorothiazide

Warnings

Loniten should not be used if you are suffering from pheochromocytoma (an adrenal tumour).Loniten is often given in combination with two other medications to prevent serious side effects. All medications should be taken as prescribed by your doctor.If you experience chest pain that is new or worsening, shortness or breathlessness (even when lying down), or if your heart beats faster, call your doctor immediately.

Before you take this drug

Loniten should not be used if;

  • Pheochromocytoma, or tumours of the adrenal cortex is what we call.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Loniten will be safe for you:

  • Congestive heart failure;
  • Angina, or if you've recently suffered a cardiac arrest.
  • Kidney disease (or dialysis if you have it);
  • Asthma;
  • Migraine headaches
  • Epilepsy and other seizure disorders

Unknown is whether the medicine can harm an unborn child. Loniten can cause excessive hair growth in newborns if their mother takes it during pregnancy. Tell your doctor immediately if you plan to get pregnant.Minoxidil may pass into breastmilk and harm nursing babies. The use of this medicine is not recommended during breastfeeding.Do not administer this medicine to an infant without consulting a doctor.

How to take Loniten?

Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose you take to ensure that you receive the best possible results. Loniten should not be used in higher or lower doses or for a longer period than recommended.If you experience any side effects, your doctor may prescribe the first dose in a hospital setting or clinic to treat them quickly.You should read all the information provided, including patient information, medication guides, and instructions. You should not alter your medication or dose schedule without consulting your doctor.You will need to check your pulse while taking Loniten. You can learn how to measure your pulse from a doctor or nurse.You should weigh yourself every day when you take Loniten. If you gain 5 pounds or more in a short period of time, call your doctor.Regularly check your blood-pressure. Electrocardiographs (also called EKGs) may be used to check your heart function.High blood pressure is often asymptomatic. It is possible that you will need to take blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.This medicine should not be shared with anyone else, even if the other person has similar symptoms.Store Loniten away from moisture, heat, and humidity at room temperature.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Take the missed dose as soon you remember. Skip the missed dosage if your next dose is scheduled soon. Do not increase your dose to make up for the missed one.

What happens if I overdose?

For poison assistance, call 1-800-222-1222 or get immediate medical help.Dizziness and fainting are symptoms of an overdose.

What should be avoided?

While taking Loniten, you may have to reduce or limit the amount of salt in your food. Use potassium supplements and salt substitutes only if your doctor says so.Avoid standing up quickly from a seated or lying-down position. You may feel dizzy. To avoid a fall, get up slowly.Before taking any cough or cold medication that contains decongestants such as phenylephrine, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interaction with other drug

Minoxidil may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take.