Indications/Uses
Listed in Dosage.
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Dosage/Direction for Use
Adult: PO Severe HTN unresponsive to standard therapy In conjunction w/ a β-blocker or methyldopa, and a diuretic: Initial: 5 mg/day, increase gradually at intervals of at least 3 days up to 40 mg or 50 mg as a single or in 2 divided doses daily. Max: 100 mg/day. For rapid control of BP: Dose increments of 5 mg 6 hrly may be given. Topical Male pattern baldness Male: As 2% or 5% soln: Apply 1 mL bid. As 5% foam or aerosol: Apply ½ capful bid. Female: As 2% soln: Apply 1 mL bid. As 5% foam or aerosol: Apply ½ capful once daily.
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Administration
May be taken with or without food.
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Contraindications
Phaeochromocytoma. Topical: Patient w/ treated or untreated HTN, scalp abnormality (e.g. psoriasis, sunburn), shaved scalp.
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Special Precautions
Patient w/ pulmonary HTN, angina pectoris, chronic heart failure, recent MI. Renal impairment. Elderly, childn. Pregnancy and lactation. Monitoring Parameters Monitor BP, fluid and electrolytes, body wt, signs/symptoms of pericardial effusion, renal function.
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Adverse Reactions
Reflex tachycardia, fluid retention, changes in ECG, hypertrichosis, pericardial effusion and tamponade, pericarditis, exacerbation of angina pectoris, headache, nausea, gynaecomastia, breast tenderness, polymenorrhoea, allergic rashes, Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Rarely, thrombocytopenia and leucopenia. Topical: Contact dermatitis, pruritus, local burning, flushing, changes in hair colour or texture.
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Drug Interactions
Additive effect w/ other hypotensive drugs. Risk of orthostatic hypotension w/ sympathetic blocking drugs (e.g. guanethidine). Topical: Enhanced absorption w/ other topical medical preparations (e.g. corticosteroids, retinoids or occlusive ointment bases).
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CIMS Class
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ATC Classification
D11AX01 - minoxidil ; Belongs to the class of other dermatologicals.
C02DC01 - minoxidil ; Belongs to the class of pyrimidine derivative agents acting on arteriolar smooth muscle. Used in the treatment of hypertension. |