What is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil relaxes and widens the blood vessels, improving blood flow. The treatment of hypertension, which is severe and damaging to your organs, is with minoxidil. To prevent side effects, minoxidil can be given with other medications. It is not recommended to use minoxidil tablets for scalp hair growth. For this purpose, only the topical version of minoxidil (Rogaine) should be used. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of minoxidil.
Side effects of Minoxidil
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergy: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in lips, face, throat or tongue and difficulty swallowing - an allergy may be at play.
Minoxidil may lead to serious side effects. If you experience:
- Chest pain that is new or getting worse
- Chest pain that radiates to the jaw or shoulder may indicate heart disease or cancer.
- Fast or pounding pulses.
- You may experience swelling in your ankles or feet, as well as in your legs.
- Rapid weight gain in the face, midsection, and abdomen;
- Shortness of breath
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Fluid buildup in the lung: pain while breathing, shortness of breath when lying down, quivering or gasping for air, coughing with foamy, watery mucus.
- Severe skin reaction: fever, sore neck, swelling of your face, tongue, or eyes, pain in your skin, and then a reddish-purple rash that spreads to the upper or lower body and leaves blisters and skin peeling.
Side effects common to minoxidil include:
- Changes in the color, thickness, or length of facial or body hair
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Rash;
- Breast pain or tenderness
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report adverse reactions by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Amlodipine, Lisinopril, Metoprolol, Losartan, Furosemide, and Hydrochlorothiazide
Warnings
If you are suffering from a tumor of the adrenal gland, then minoxidil should be avoided. To prevent side effects, minoxidil is often given in combination with other medications. All medications should be taken as prescribed by your physician. If you experience chest pain that is new or has worsened, shortness or breathlessness (even when lying down), or if your heart beats faster, call your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
If you're allergic to minoxidil or have any of the following:
- Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal gland.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that minoxidil will be safe for you:
- Congestive heart failure;
- Chest pain, or if a recent cardiac arrest has occurred.
- Kidney disease or dialysis (if applicable)
- Asthma;
- Migraine headaches
- Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
Unknown is whether the medicine can harm an unborn child. A newborn child could experience excessive hair growth, however, if its mother took minoxidil while pregnant. Inform your doctor that you plan to get pregnant. Minoxidil may pass through breast milk, which can harm nursing babies. This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding. This medicine should not be given to children without consulting a doctor.
How to take Minoxidil?
Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor will occasionally adjust your dosage to ensure you achieve the best possible results. Use minoxidil only at the recommended dose. Do not exceed it. If you experience any side effects, your doctor will likely want to administer the first dose in a hospital or clinic to treat them quickly. You should read all the information provided, including patient guides, instructions, medication guides, and other documents. You should not alter your medication or dose schedule without consulting your doctor. You will have to check your pulse while taking minoxidil. You can learn how to measure your pulse from your doctor or nurse. You should weigh yourself every day when you take minoxidil. If you are gaining more than five pounds in a short period of time, call your doctor. Regular blood pressure checks must be undertaken. Electrocardiographs (also called EKGs) may be used to check your heart's 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. Keep minoxidil away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as possible, take the missed dose. If the time for your next dose approaches quickly, skip any unscheduled ones. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Dizziness and fainting are symptoms of an overdose.
What should be avoided?
While taking minoxidil, you may have to reduce or limit the amount of salt that is in your food. Use potassium or salt alternatives only if your doctor says so. You may get dizzy if you stand up quickly from a seated or lying-down position. To avoid falling, get up slowly. Before taking any cough medicine or cold medication that contains decongestants, such as phenylephrine, consult your physician or pharmacist.
Interaction with other drug
Minoxidil may also interact with other drugs, such as prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines that you are currently taking and those that you plan to start using.
