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Minoxidil (By mouth)

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Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • 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®).

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

  • Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet

  • 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.

If a dose is missed:

  • 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.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Introduction

Minoxidil (min-OX-i-dil)

Treats high blood pressure.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Fever, chills, sore throat
  • Lightheadedness or fainting
  • Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
  • Tightness in chest and trouble breathing
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Breast swelling or tenderness (in both men and women)
  • Change in color or growth of facial or body hair
  • Problems with vision
  • Weight gain

Warnings While Using This Medicine

  • 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.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

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).

Review Date: 7/4/2018
Reviewed By:

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