Minoxidil is used in the management of severe high blood pressure which causes damage to vital organs or for those who are unresponsive to standard therapy for high blood pressure.
Take Minoxidil exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more than instructed by your doctor.
Minoxidil may be taken with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have phaeochromocytoma (tumour of the adrenal gland) as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have any of these:
- recent heart attack
- high blood pressure affecting the lungs
- angina (chest pain)
- heart failure
- kidney failure
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going for procedures such as dialysis, inform your doctor that you are taking Minoxidil.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, kidney function tests, ECG and chest x-ray should be done regularly to check your body's response to the medicine. Blood pressure, body weight, fluid and electrolyte levels should also be monitored.
This medicine may cause any of the following side effects:
- abnormal amount of hair growth
- fast heartbeat
- swelling in the ankles, feet, and legs
- weight gain
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience fever with persistent sore throat or mouth ulcers, unusual bleeding or bruising and chest pain with shortness of breath.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor if you are taking medicines for for high blood pressure e.g. guanethidine.
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Minoxidil.
Always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.