Minoxidil

U.S. Brand Names

Rogaine® Extra Strength for Men [OTC]; Rogaine® for Men [OTC]; Rogaine® for Women [OTC]

Canadian Brand Names

Apo-Gain®; Minox; Rogaine®

Mexican Brand Names

Regaine

Pharmacologic Category

Topical Skin Product; Vasodilator

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

This medicine may cause serious heart-related side effects, talk with healthcare provider.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to minoxidil or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have pheochromocytoma or had a recent heart attack.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure.

• This medicine is used to treat hair loss. It may take 4 months to see the full effect.

How does it work?

• Minoxidil relaxes blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.

• It increases hair regrowth and slows hair loss.

How is it best taken?

Oral:

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.

Skin:

• Do not take this medicine by mouth. For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).

• Wash hands before and after use.

• Apply a thin layer to the affected skin and rub in gently.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Use a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not use a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have heart disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• If you are taking this medicine and have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider before using over-the-counter products that may increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain natural products or supplements.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

Oral:

• Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.

• Hair growth.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

Skin:

• Skin irritation.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Chest pain or pressure or fast heartbeat.

• Severe dizziness or passing out

• Significant weight gain.

• Swelling of feet or hands.

• Severe skin irritation.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect foam and solution from heat.

• Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

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

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2007-03-13 13:50:16.0

Modified: 2008-04-30 11:12:51.0

Lexi-PALS^TM © (1977)-(2007) Lexi-Comp, Inc. All rights reserved.