Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: MINOXIDIL (mi-NOX-i-dill)
This medicine is a vasodilator used to treat high blood pressure.
WARNING: Minoxidil may cause serious heart problems or intensify chest pain (angina). Therefore, this medicine should be given only to carefully selected patients who have tried other treatments without success. Minoxidil must be given only under close medical supervision. A "water pill" (loop diuretic) and beta-blocker (e.g., propranolol) are usually given when minoxidil is used. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. WEIGH YOURSELF DAILY while you are taking this medicine. Check with your doctor if you quickly gain 5 pounds or more or if there is swelling or puffiness of the face, hands, ankles, or stomach. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include a mild weight gain; growth and darkening of fine body hair; nausea; or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience a skin rash; sudden weight gain of 5 pounds or more; swelling or puffiness of face, ankles, hands or stomach; difficulty breathing especially when lying down; fainting or lightheadedness; or changes in hearing or vision. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience a pounding heartbeat, or new or increasing pain in the chest, arm, shoulder, or jaw. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include lightheadedness, fainting, and a fast pulse.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.