Lonitab

Uses
Lonitab (Minoxidil) is a drug that is used to treat high blood pressure. It is generally prescribed for use alongside other medications, such as a water pill (diuretic) or beta blocker. The main ingredient in this medicine is a type of vasodilator, which acts on the arterioles (small arteries), and helps them to widen and relax. This leads to a reduction in high blood pressure, and can therefore reduce the risk of serious health complications. The active ingredient in this drug is also available in a topical solution, which is used externally to treat hair loss. However, this product comes as tablets, which are taken orally, and only used to lower high blood pressure.

Dosage and Administration
When prescribing Lonitab (Minoxidil) tablets to you, your doctor will also give you dosage instructions for other medications, such as a diuretic medicine and a beta blocker. It is very important that you take all your medicines regularly as prescribed, in order to ensure that treatment is effective. In the majority of cases, patients will be directed to take 5mg once per day. During the course of treatment, this dosage may be adjusted by the prescribing doctor, and a maintenance dose ranging from 10mg to 40mg (taken in divided doses if necessary) will be prescribed.

Side effects
Some side effects of Lonitab (Minoxidil) include:

• Fluid retention
• An increase in weight
• Tenderness of the breasts
• Hypertrichosis (growth of hair)
• Increased density of body hair

Bear in mind that it is recommended that you report any side effects to your doctor. If any serious reactions occur, you need to see your doctor immediately or seek some form of emergency medical care. Serious side effects can include weight gain, swelling of the feet or ankles and fainting. This is not a complete list of possible reactions, and other side effects may also occur.

Precautions
This drug is associated with increasing the risk of serious problems affecting the heart, and may also worsen angina. For this reason, it is generally only prescribed when other treatments have failed to effectively control the patient's condition.

Taking this drug may sometimes result in weight gain as a result of fluid retention. To avoid this, your doctor may prescribe a diuretic (water tablet) to you. It is very important to take all your medication as prescribed, in order to prevent fluid retention or other unwanted effects.

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for, which may be indicative of a reaction, include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face or limbs, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.

Always use Lonitab (Minoxidil) as you have been prescribed by your doctor. Never self-medicate or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. The correct dosage can vary depending on your health, medical history, and the severity of the condition being treated.

This medication may not be safe for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from any allergies.
• If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
• If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
• If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.