What is minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a vasodilator that relaxes (widens) blood vessels and improves blood flow.
Minoxidil is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is usually given together with two other medications including a diuretic (water pill).
Minoxidil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about minoxidil?
Minoxidil tablets should not be used to promote scalp hair growth.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to minoxidil, or if you have pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor).
Before using minoxidil, tell your doctor if you have angina (chest pain), congestive heart failure, kidney disease, epilepsy or other seizure disorder, or if you have recently had a heart attack.
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially guanethidine (Ismelin).
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as swelling in your legs or ankles, chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, trouble breathing, swelling or rapid weight gain, sudden numbness or problems with vision or speech, the first sign of any skin rash, or if you feel like you might pass out.
Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so you may not know when your blood pressure is high. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
You may need to receive your first few doses of minoxidil in a hospital setting where your heart and blood pressure can be monitored in case the medication causes serious side effects.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking minoxidil?
Minoxidil tablets should not be used to promote scalp hair growth.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to minoxidil, or if you have pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor).
Before using minoxidil, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
angina (chest pain);
congestive heart failure;
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or
if you have recently had a heart attack.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category C. Minoxidil may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Minoxidil can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take minoxidil without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.