Minoxidil (Systemic)

• It is used to treat high blood pressure.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

• If you have an allergy to minoxidil or any other part of minoxidil.
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If you have an adrenal gland tumor called pheochromocytoma.
• If you have had a recent heart attack.
• If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take this medicine.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with minoxidil.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take minoxidil. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Follow up with the doctor as you have been told.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
• Check blood pressure and heart rate as the doctor has told you. Talk with the doctor.
• You will need to have your heart checked before starting minoxidil and while taking it. This includes an ECG. Talk with your doctor.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• Check your weight daily.
• Talk with your doctor before using OTC products that may raise blood pressure. These include cough or cold drugs, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and some natural products or aids.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest, arm, or shoulder pain that is new or worse.
• Dizziness or passing out.
• A fast heartbeat.
• A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• Very bad or lasting heartburn.
• Change in hearing.
• Change in eyesight.
• This medicine may cause you to swell or keep fluid in your body. Tell your doctor if you have swelling, weight gain, or trouble breathing.

(mi NOKS i dil)

Hypertension: Initial: 2.5 mg once daily; increase gradually (ASH/ISH [Weber 2014])

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; use with caution and titrate gradually [minoxidil AUC increased 50% and its clearance decreased in mildly cirrhotic patients (Adams 1998)]

Store between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F).