$Unique_ID{BRK03240}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{minoxidil (systemic)}
$Subject{systemic Loniten Upjohn Minodyl Quantum Antihypertensive minoxidil
high blood pressure dilating widening blood vessels}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


minoxidil (systemic)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Loniten (Upjohn)
     Minodyl (Quantum)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antihypertensive

INGREDIENT

     minoxidil

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (2.5 mg and 10 mg)

STORAGE

     Minoxidil should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
container.

USES

     In its oral tablet form, minoxidil is prescribed by doctors to treat high
blood pressure.  This medication lowers blood pressure by dilating (widening)
the blood vessels in the body.

TREATMENT

     Minoxidil can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food or a full
glass of water or milk (as directed by your doctor or pharmacist).
     In order to become accustomed to taking this medication, try to take it
at the same time(s) each day.
     Minoxidil does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to control
the condition as long as you continue to take the medication.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Fatigue, flushing, headache, nausea, or vomiting.  These side effects
should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
abnormal hair growth, breast tenderness (in both sexes), chest pain, difficult
or painful urination, darkening of the skin, palpitations, rapid weight gain
(three to five pounds within a week), skin rash, or unusual bleeding or
bruising.

INTERACTIONS

     Concurrent use of minoxidil and guanethidine can cause a severe drop in
blood pressure.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially if you are taking guanethidine.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to minoxidil.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you have ever had angina, heart failure, a heart attack, kidney disease,
pericardial effusions, pheochromocytoma, or a stroke.
     * Do not take any over-the-counter (nonprescription) cough, cold,
allergy, asthma, sinus, or diet medications unless you first check with your
doctor or pharmacist.  Some of these products can increase your blood
pressure.
     * Do not stop taking minoxidil unless you first check with your doctor.
Stopping the drug abruptly may lead to a worsening of your high blood
pressure.  Your doctor may, therefore, want to reduce your dosage gradually or
start you on another medication when you stop taking minoxidil in order to
prevent this from occurring.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Birth defects have
been reported in the offspring of animals that received large doses of
minoxidil during pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding
an infant.  Minoxidil passes into breast milk, and it is recommended that a
woman taking this medication should not breast-feed.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.