A vasodilator - It relaxes blood vessels, increasing the blood and oxygen supply to your heart
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Risk of developing potentially serious cardiac effects. (See Cardiovascular Effects under Cautions.) Pericardial effusion, progressing to tamponade may occur and angina pectoris may be exacerbated. Reserve for hypertensive patients who do not respond to maximum therapeutic doses of a diuretic and 2 other antihypertensive agents.
In animal studies, minoxidil caused myocardial lesions and other adverse cardiac effects.
Administer under close supervision, usually concomitantly with a β-adrenergic blocking agent and a diuretic, usually a loop diuretic, to prevent adverse effects.
Hospitalize and monitor patients with malignant hypertension or those already receiving concomitant guanethidine therapy to prevent too rapid or severe orthostatic decreases in BP.
MINOXIDIL (mi NOX i dill) is a type of vasodilator. It relaxes blood vessels, increasing the blood and oxygen supply to your heart. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure. It is not recommended for use in mild cases of high blood pressure because of the potential for serious side effects.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this medicine may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
medicines for chest pain
medicines for high blood pressure
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her. While you are taking this medicine, keep a check on your weight. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you rapidly gain more then 5 pounds.
You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more dizzy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.
You may need to follow a special low sodium diet while taking this medicine. Check with your doctor or health care professional.
Last Updated: July 06, 2009
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