LONITEN (MINOXIDIL)

Loniten Description

Loniten or generic Minoxidil is a vasodilator medicine, usually prescribed for people with severe high blood pressure that cannot be controlled by other hypertensive drugs or because the side effects were bothersome. Regular medical check-ups are important for knowing what is going on with your body and what you need to do to stay healthy. If hypertension is diagnosed and treatment is started, along with healthy food choices and a few changes to your lifestyle, you would decrease your risk of serious cardiac events. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Loniten as Part of Your Blood Pressure Treatment

When taken as directed, Loniten will act on the small arteries in your body to relax and dilate them to reduce the pressure inside that can drive your blood pressure up to dangerous levels. Your doctor will also prescribe two other drugs to take with Loniten. One will be a beta blocker to keep your heart rate from increasing as your arteries relax to allow for a better blood flow. And the other will be a water pill, called a diuretic. This will help your body expel excess salt and fluid by urinating more often so there is no extra volume of fluid in your blood that can cause an increase in your pressure.

Blood pressure is measured using two sets of numbers, systolic and diastolic. The first numbers indicate the maximum pressure in your arteries when your heart beats to push blood out into your body, and the second is the minimum arterial pressure between heart beats when it is relaxed to fill with blood. So, for example, a normal reading would look like 120/80 mmHg. It is very important to have regular health exams which include having your blood pressure checked.

Conditions Treated by Loniten

Hypertension is a serious condition that may not exhibit any noticeable signs or symptoms that you are at risk for a heart attack or stroke. If you are experiencing severe headaches with confusion or blurred vision, nausea and vomiting, seizures, and chest pains, you may be having a hypertensive crisis.

Because hypertension is usually diagnosed during a routine exam, many people are saved from the risk of this occurring by taking regular high blood pressure meds, exercising regularly, eating healthier, and quitting their tobacco habit. Prevention is part of the key to avoiding permanent damage to your arteries, heart, kidneys, and your vision.

Before You Take Loniten

To be certain that Loniten is safe for you, discuss your medical history and list all OTC and Rx drugs you currently take, including herbal formulas and vitamin supplements. Ask your doctor if Loniten is safe to take if your are pregnant, trying to conceive, or you are breast feeding.

Proper Use of Loniten

Do not take Loniten (Minoxidil) tablets for promoting hair growth! There is a topical formula of Minoxidil for that purpose called Rogaine. Although, some women may find that Loniten has caused unwanted hair growth on their face or chest.

Possible Side Effects of Loniten

• Weight gain
• Bloating
• Rash
• Dizziness
• Swelling of feet or lower legs