Minoxidil (Minoxidil Tablets) Drug Overview of Side Effects and Precautions for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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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...

Read the Drug Side Effects Explained article »

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SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, and tiredness may occur while taking this medication, especially during the first few weeks as your body adjusts to the lower blood pressure. This is normal. Continue taking the medication as directed. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: abdominal pain/swelling, easy bleeding/bruising, difficulty breathing (especially when lying down), dry cough, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, signs of severe infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), swelling of the hands/ankles/feet, weight gain of more than 5 pounds.

Minoxidil may cause increased growth or darkening of fine body hairs. If this is bothersome, consult your doctor. When you stop taking the medication, the hair will usually return to normal within 1 to 6 months.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest/jaw/left arm pain, confusion, severe heartburn, hearing/vision loss, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: 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 not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk but is unlikely to have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.