LONITEN

Drug Name: LONITEN

LONITEN DESCRIPTION:
MINOXIDIL - ORAL (min-OX-ih-dill)

COMMON LONITEN BRAND NAME(S):
Loniten

LONITEN SIDE EFFECTS:
You may feel tired and run down the first few weeks while taking LONITEN as your body adjusts to the lower blood pressure. This is normal. Continue taking the medication. If the symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor. Dizziness and drowsiness are common especially during the first few weeks of therapy. Notify your doctor if you experience any of the following while taking LONITEN: chest pain, rapid or increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, fainting, severe indigestion, weight gain of over 5 pounds, unusual swelling (especially of the face/hands/ feet). Minoxidil may cause increased growth or darkening of fine body hairs. If this is bothersome, consult your doctor. When the medication is discontinued, the hair will return to normal within 30 to 60 days. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE LONITEN:
LONITEN: Take LONITEN exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time(s) each day so you remember to take it. It is important to continue taking LONITEN even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking LONITEN without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

LONITEN WARNING:
Minoxidil may cause serious heart problems or intensify chest pain (angina). Therefore, LONITEN should be given only to carefully selected patients who have tried other treatments without success. Minoxidil must be given only under close medical supervision. A "water pill" (loop diuretic) and beta-blocker (e.g., propranolol) are usually given when minoxidil is used.

LONITEN USES:
Minoxidil is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

LONITEN PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: heart problems, kidney disease, any allergies. Use caution driving or engaging in activities requiring alertness if LONITEN makes you dizzy or lightheaded. Minoxidil should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Minoxidil is excreted into breast milk. Though there have no reports (to date) of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

LONITEN DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially: guanethidine (even if you stopped taking it in the last three weeks), "water pills" (diuretics), other medications for high blood pressure. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

LONITEN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include lightheadedness, fainting, and a fast pulse.

LONITEN NOTES:
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking LONITEN. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor.

MISSED LONITEN DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered. If not remembered until the next day, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

LONITEN STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.