Loniten

1 What is Loniten?

Brand: Loniten

Generic: Minoxidil

Loniten is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It is a vasodilator. It decreases blood pressure by relaxing and dilating (widening) the vessels so that blood flows through them more easily.

Thus, it increases blood and oxygen supply to the heart. It is used in patients who do not respond to other therapy. It is also used by balding men on the scalp to stimulate hair growth.

It is available in the form of the tablet only with your doctor’s prescription.

2 What to Know Before Using

If you are about to start Loniten, speak with your doctor about what you need to know.

Before starting the treatment your doctor should be informed about condition such as:

Allergy: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any food, preservatives, dyes, or had an allergic reaction when you used this drug before.

Children: There are no adequate studies done which prove Minoxidil harmful effects in children. Use it after consulting your doctor.

Elderly: It should be used with caution if there are kidney and liver problems. It may decrease tolerance to cold temperature in old age.

Pregnancy: It is a category C drug. It should not be used in pregnancy. Safety and efficacy are not established.

Breast Feeding: It is found in breast milk. Do not use it while nursing a baby.

Drug Interactions: Minoxidil may interact with other drugs. Your doctor should be informed of any other medicines which you are taking. He may want to change the dosage or drug.

Some of them are listed below:

  • Guanethidine because of lightheadedness, especially upon standing.
  • Amifampridine.

Several other conditions may reduce its effectiveness.

Make sure you inform your doctor of conditions such as:

  • If you have blood flow problems, congestive heart failure or other heart problems, or have had a heart attack.
  • If you have kidney problems or are on dialysis.
  • Pheochromocytoma, Minoxidil makes tumor hyperactive.

3 Proper Usage

To use Loniten properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

Minoxidil only helps in reducing blood pressure. It does not cure blood pressure related problems.

It is very important to continue to take medicine as directed in order to keep blood pressure within normal range. You may need to use it for the rest of your life.

With Minoxidil, you should also control your weight and diet. Avoid foods which are rich in sodium (salt).

Dosage: It varies among different patients. Dosage mentioned below is an average dose. You must follow your doctor’s command.

For oral dosage forms (tablets):

  • Children 12 years of age and below: 200 micrograms to 1 milligram per kilogram as a single dose or in divided dose.
  • Children above 12 year and adults: 5 to 40 milligram (mg) taken as a single dose or in divided doses.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it almost a time for your next dose skips the missed dose and continue your daily schedule. Doubling the dose is harmful.
Storage: Store it at room temperature. Keep it away from children.

4 Precautions to Take

Before using Loniten, there are some precautions you must take.

Your doctor should check your daily progress at regular visits. You should check your pulse rate before and after taking Minoxidil, also when you are resting.

Inform your doctor right away if your pulse rate increases by 20 beats or more than your regular pulse rate.

You should check your weight every day while using Minoxidil. An adult may gain 2 to 3 pounds (1 kg) of weight which will be lost with continued treatment.

However, if you suddenly gain 5 pounds (2 kg) or more (for a child, 2 pounds [1 kg] or more) or if you notice swelling of your feet or lower legs, check with your doctor right away.

5 Potential Side Effects

If you notice any side effects of Loniten, immediately make an appointment with your doctor.

All medicines have some side effects. Some people may experience none or minor side effects. Consult with your doctor if they become problematic or frequent

Consult with your doctor if they become problematic or frequent:

More common are:

Less common are:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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