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Minoxidil Treatment

Minoxidil is a medication used in the treatment of high blood pressure in patients not responding to other forms of treatment. The medication works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which in turn reduces the blood pressure. As is the case with most blood pressure medications, there are a number of side effects.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • Some common side effects include excessive hair growth, changes in body hair, nausea, vomiting, mild weight gain, allergic reaction, hives, skin rash, difficulty breathing, tightening of the chest, and swelling of the mouth and lips. While these are considered the most common side effects of using Minoxidil, they only affect a small amount of users.

    Severe Side Effects

    • Some severe side effects include sudden hearing and vision problems, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, sudden weight gain, lightheadedness, fainting, chest and shoulder pain, swelling, and increased heart rate. These side effects are also very rare and do not affect a large amount of users.

    Important Safety Information

    • Minoxidil has been known to cause dizziness and vision problems in some users, and it is recommended that users take extreme caution when operating any type of machinery. Do not use alcohol or any other type of depressants while using Minoxidil as it can add to the effects of the medication. It is common for users to feel unusually tired during the first three weeks of treatment.

    Use

    • Always use Minoxidil exactly as it was prescribed by your doctor and never in dosages larger than what has been recommended on the label. Minoxidil is administered in pill form and can be taken with or without food. Always take your medication with a full glass of water to ensure that it is properly digested. If you miss a dose of the drug, take the next one as soon as possible. Never take two doses of the drug at the same time.

    Warning

    • If you experience any of the aforementioned side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

      If an overdose is suspected, contact the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 and head directly to the nearest emergency room.

      Minoxidil is meant in the treatment of high blood pressure only and should not be used for any other medical condition unless specifically prescribed by your doctor.

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