Minoxidil (Systemic)

Generic name: Minoxidil (systemic) [ mi-NOKS-i-dil ]
Drug class: Vasodilators

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 25, 2023.

Warning

This medicine may cause very bad heart-related side effects. This includes chest pain that gets worse. This medicine is only for use when blood pressure is not controlled by other drugs. Talk with the doctor.
You will need to take minoxidil (systemic) with certain other drugs to prevent side effects. Talk with your doctor.
Sometimes, minoxidil (systemic) will need to be started in a hospital where you will be closely watched. Talk with your doctor.

Uses of Minoxidil:

It is used to treat high blood pressure.
It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Minoxidil?

If you have an allergy to minoxidil or any other part of minoxidil (systemic).
If you are allergic to minoxidil (systemic); any part of minoxidil (systemic); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you have an adrenal gland tumor called pheochromocytoma.
If you have had a recent heart attack.
If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take minoxidil (systemic).

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with minoxidil (systemic).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take minoxidil (systemic) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Minoxidil?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take minoxidil (systemic). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Follow up with the doctor as you have been told.
Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how minoxidil (systemic) affects you.
To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
Check blood pressure and heart rate as the doctor has told you.
You will need to have your heart checked before starting minoxidil (systemic) and while taking it. This includes an ECG. Talk with your doctor.
Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
Check your weight daily.
Talk with your doctor before using OTC products that may raise blood pressure. These include cough or cold drugs, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and some natural products or aids.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using minoxidil (systemic) while you are pregnant.

How is this medicine (Minoxidil) best taken?

Use minoxidil (systemic) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Take with or without food.
Keep taking minoxidil (systemic) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Shortness of breath.
Chest, arm, or shoulder pain that is new or worse.
Dizziness or passing out.
A fast heartbeat.
A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
Very bad or lasting heartburn.
Change in hearing.
Change in eyesight.
This medicine may cause you to swell or keep fluid in your body. Tell your doctor if you have swelling, weight gain, or trouble breathing.

What are some other side effects of Minoxidil?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Hair growth.
Upset stomach or throwing up.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Minoxidil?

Store at room temperature.
Protect from light.
Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about minoxidil (systemic), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.