Availability & Expiry
INTRODUCTION
LONITAB contains Minoxidil which belongs to the group of medicines called Vasodilators. It is used to treat very high blood pressure (hypertension). Hypertension is a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high. Symptoms include such as headaches, vision problems, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, nausea and vomiting.
Prior to the treatment, your doctor may want you to take multiple blood pressure readings at regular intervals, monitor fluid and salt (electrolyte) levels in your body and do general health check-ups to understand your existing condition.
Along with this treatment, your doctor might advise you to take a low-salt diet to reduce blood pressure effectively. LONITAB is not recommended for use in patients suffering from high blood pressure caused by hormones from a tumor (phaeochromocytoma).
LONITAB should be used with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women unless advised by the doctor. It should be used with caution in children and elderly patients.
The most common side effects of taking LONITAB are increased heart rate, inflammation of the lining that surrounds the heart, increased hair growth and hair colour changes. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects worsen.
USES OF LONITAB
- Treats high blood pressure (hypertension)
HOW LONITAB WORKS
LONITAB helps to control high blood pressure, where minoxidil is a vasodilator that works by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can pass through them more easily thus resulting in lowering the blood pressure.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Take LONITAB as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition. Do not stop taking LONITAB unless your doctor advises you to stop.
SIDE EFFECTS OF LONITAB
COMMON
- increased heart rate, abnormal heart rhythm
- inflammation of the lining that surrounds the heart
- increase in hair growth, hair colour changes
- accumulation of fluid around the heart
- compression of the heart due to a buildup of fluid, fluid retention
RARE
- signs of low white blood cells (fever, chills, and repeated infections)
- signs of low platelet count (easy bleeding or bruising)
- serious illness with blistering of the skin, mouth, eyes and genitals (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
- inflammation and blistering of the skin
- rashes
Stop taking LONITAB and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- feel fainting or dizziness, especially when you stand up
- signs of fluid retention (puffy ankles or your rings get tight or put on weight)
- wheezing, breathless and tired (especially if you already have a weak heart)
- angina (chest pain)
HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS
Rashes:
Do not scratch the affected area. Wear protective clothing while going outdoors. Regularly moisturize your skin. Consult your doctor if the symptom worsens.
WARNING & PRECAUTIONS
PREGNANCY
LONITAB should be used with caution in pregnant women unless considered clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before taking it.
BREASTFEEDING
LONITAB is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless considered clearly necessary as it may pass through the breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking it.
DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate any machines if you feel fainting or dizziness after taking LONITAB.
KIDNEY
LONITAB should be taken with caution with dose adjustments in patients with kidney failure and those undergoing haemodialysis. Consult your doctor before taking LONITAB.
ALLERGY
Do not take LONITAB if you are allergic to Minoxidil or any other ingredients of this medicine.
HEART DISEASE
LONITAB should be used with caution in patients with heart failure or heart attack. Consult your doctor before taking LONITAB.
OTHERS
LONITAB is not recommended for use if you have:
- high blood pressure (caused by hormones from a tumor called phaeochromocytoma)
Before taking LONITAB, inform your doctor if you:
- are going to have any blood tests or ECG tests (to check the electrical activity of the heart)
Use in pediatrics:
LONITAB should be used with caution in children. Proper dose adjustment and careful monitoring are required in such patients. Consult your child’s doctor for advice.
Use in geriatrics:
LONITAB should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years and above). Consult your doctor before taking LONITAB.
INTERACTIONS
A. Drug - Drug interactions:
Before taking LONITAB, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- any anti-hypertensive drugs and medicines such as guanethidine or betanidine (used to treat high blood pressure)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of LONITAB, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of LONITAB overdose includes fainting, dizziness or skin getting unusually cold and pale.
SYNOPSIS
| Drug | : | Minoxidil |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Vasodilators |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | High blood pressure (hypertension) |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Cream, Foam, Gel, Hair serum, Spray, Topical solution, Lotion, Roll-on solution |
MORE INFORMATION
- Keep LONITAB out of reach of children
- Store at room temperature at 25°C
FAQs ABOUT LONITAB
What if I forget to take a dose of LONITAB?
You should take LONITAB immediately when you remember. If it is time for your next dose skip the missed dose and follow your regular dose schedule. Do not double the dose to match up your missed dose.
Can I stop taking LONITAB on my own?
No, you should not stop taking LONITAB without speaking to your doctor first. If you stop this medicine suddenly, chest pain may recur. Talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual effects.
Does LONITAB work for hair loss?
There is strong evidence that topical medicine can increase hair growth in male and female pattern hair loss. The evidence for oral medicine is less strong but has been used successfully in post-chemotherapy hair loss, female pattern hair loss, fragile hair disorders and alopecia areata (patchy hair loss).
Can LONITAB be used in breastfeeding women?
LONITAB is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless advised by the doctor as it may pass through the breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking LONITAB if you are breastfeeding your child.
Is LONITAB safe to use in patients with kidney problems?
LONITAB should be taken with caution with dose adjustments in patients with kidney failure and those undergoing hemodialysis. Consult your doctor before taking LONITAB.
REFERENCES
1. KD. Tripathi. Anti-Hypertensive Drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 567.
2. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. Tenth edition. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. Page – 2592-2596.
3. Domenic A Sica. Minoxidil: an underused vasodilator for resistant or severe hypertension. NIH: National Library of Medicine, National center of biotechnology Information Pubmed.gov. May 2004. [Accessed on 4th July 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15133413/#:~:text=Minoxidil%20is%20a%20direct%20vasodilator,has%20failed%20with%20multidrug%20regimens.
4. Northwestern University. Effect of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil as Treatment of Permanent Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia. NIH U.S. National Library of Medicine ClinicalTrials.gov. [Revised in June 2022] [Accessed on 4th July 2022] https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03831334
5. Pfizer Service Company BV. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in January 2022] [Accessed on 4th July 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4295.pdf
USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Complete blood count
- Kidney function test
PRODUCT DETAILS
The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
