by Jennifer Kirkman

Created on: July 23, 2010

The drug Minoxidil has three purposes which it may be used for. Doctors can use it for treating high blood pressure, male pattern baldness, and alopecia areata. Minoxidil is one drug that has shown capability for treating hypertension that is into the more severe stages and doesn't respond to other drug treatments. The drug works by widening the peripheral blood vessels causing blood pressures to become lowered. Depending upon your individual situation, you may take Minoxidil as one drug therapy, or your doctor may also add a water pill, (diuretic,) which can also help lower the blood pressure. It is very important that while you are taking a drug like Minoxidil, that you have your blood pressures taken on a regular basis.

There are some medical conditions whereby you may be unable to take Minoxidil safely unless your doctor determines that it is still okay by running certain medical tests. If you have problems with congestive heart failure, angina, seizure problems, kidney problems, or any other heart disease or problems, your doctor will need to have these conditions noted and determine the drug safety for you. Women that are pregnant may also be unable to take Minoxidil since it has shown that it may cause birth defects to the baby. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is very important that your doctor knows, or if you are nursing.

You need to make certain that your treating doctor has all current medications you are taking including ones over the counter. There are several medications and over the counter medicines that can interact badly with Minoxidil. Before taking an over the counter drug when on Minoxidil, it is imperative that you ask your pharmacist first about drug interactions.

Take Minoxidil just as your doctor has instructed you to. The general dose is 5 milligrams per day to begin with and then gradually increased until you achieve maximum effects. This drug generally begins working about one half hour after taking the first pill. When you are taking a drug as serious as Minoxidil, it is a must that you have regular doctor visits, and blood work will also need to be done to check on drug side effects.

Minoxidil may cause some serious side effects in people. You may notice chest pains that radiate, have cough, experience problems in breathing, have problems speaking, numbness, loss of balance and weakness. Heart beats may be erratic, you may bruise easily, and feel very faint. Weight gain has also been reported while taking Minoxidil. Upset stomach, edema, and tenderness and pain in the breast are also other possible side effects with this drug. All side effects should be reported right away.

Article source:

The Pill Book 9th Edition Revised
rxlist.com
 

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