Minoxidil (Minoxidil Tablets) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Minoxidil

Drug Side Effects Explained »

Drug Side Effects: Types

Side effects fall into several categories. Allergic reactions can happen with any drug and can range from itching and rash all the way up to a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.

Other side effects simply Ã¢â‚¬Å“come with the territory.Ã¢â‚¬Â Some drugs can't help but trigger side effects because of their chemical structure. One example is the common allergy drug diphenhydramine (also known by the brand name Benadryl). Though it eases allergy symptoms, it also suppresses the activity of the body chemical acetylcholine, and that leads to drowsiness and a host of other side effects, including dry mouth.

Some drugs have barely noticeable side effects when dosed properly. For example, Warfarin (Jantoven, Coumadin) used to prevent blood clots, is usually well tolerated, but serious internal bleeding can occur.

Side effects may only pop up when certain drugs are mixed with certain other things. These might also be...

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Minoxidil

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Minoxidil
(minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil tablets) tablets) tablets) ) Tablets USP

WARNING

Minoxidil tablets contain the powerful antihypertensive agent, minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil tablets) tablets) tablets) , which may produce serious adverse effects. It can cause pericardial effusion, occasionally progressing to tamponade, and angina pectoris may be exacerbated. Minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil tablets) tablets) tablets) should be reserved for hypertensive patients who do not respond adequately to maximum therapeutic doses of a diuretic and two other antihypertensive agents.

In experimental animals, minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil tablets) tablets) tablets) caused several kinds of myocardial lesions as well as other adverse cardiac effects (see Cardiac Lesions in Animals).

Minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil tablets) tablets) tablets) must be administered under close supervision, usually concomitantly with therapeutic doses of a beta-adrenergic blocking agent to prevent tachycardia and increased myocardial workload. It must also usually be given with a diuretic, frequently one acting in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle, to prevent serious fluid accumulation. Patients with malignant hypertension and those already receiving guanethidine (see WARNINGS) should be hospitalized when minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil tablets) tablets) tablets) is first administered so that they can be monitored to avoid too rapid, or large orthostatic, decreases in blood pressure.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Minoxidil tablets contain minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil tablets) tablets) tablets) , an antihypertensive peripheral vasodilator. Minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil tablets) tablets) tablets) occurs as a white to off-white, crystalline powder, soluble in alcohol and propylene glycol; sparingly soluble in methanol; slightly soluble in water; practically insoluble in chloroform, acetone and ethyl acetate. The chemical name for minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil tablets) tablets) tablets) is 2,4-Pyrimidinediamine, 6-(1-piperidinyl)-, 3-oxide. The structural formula is represented below:

Minoxidil Structural Formula Illustration

C₉H₁₅N₅O........M.W. 209.25

Minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil tablets) tablets) tablets) tablets for oral administration contain either 2.5 mg or 10 mg of minoxidil.

Minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil tablets) tablets) tablets) Tablets USP 2.5 mg and 10 mg contain the following inactive ingredients: anhydrous lactose, docusate sodium, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium benzoate and sodium starch glycolate.

What are the possible side effects of minoxidil (Loniten)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

dry cough, sharp or stabbing chest pain;
chest pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
trouble breathing (especially while lying down);
swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet;
rapid weight gain of 5 pounds or...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Minoxidil »

What are the precautions when taking minoxidil tablets (Minoxidil)?

Before taking minoxidil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: recent heart attack (within the last month), certain type of tumor (pheochromocytoma).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain lung problem (pulmonary hypertension), heart problems (e.g., chest pain, heart failure), kidney disease, liver disease, stroke.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 6/25/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.