Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Loniten (Minoxidil). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Loniten (Minoxidil) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Loniten (Minoxidil). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• increase in hair growth, usually on the face, arms, and back

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• bloating
• difficulty breathing, especially when lying down
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• rapid weight gain of more than 2 kg (1 kg in children)
• shortness of breath
• signs of bleeding (e.g., bloody nose, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don't stop bleeding)
• skin rash and itching
• swelling of the feet or lower legs

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a severe skin reaction (e.g., blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with Fever or discomfort)
• signs of Heart Attack (e.g., chest pain, arm or shoulder pain, signs of severe indigestion, nausea and vomiting, or sweating)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Loniten (Minoxidil).

2.5 mg
Each round, white, scored tablet, embossed with a "U" and "121" on one side and "2½" on the other, contains Loniten (Minoxidil) 2.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and silicon dioxide. Loniten (Minoxidil) does not contain gluten.

10 mg
Each round, white, scored tablet, embossed with a "U" and "137" on one side and "10" on the other, contains Loniten (Minoxidil) 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and silicon dioxide. Loniten (Minoxidil) does not contain gluten.

Do not take Loniten (Minoxidil) if you:

• are allergic to Loniten (Minoxidil) or any ingredients of the medication
• have a condition caused by a kind of tumour called pheochromocytoma
• have pulmonary hypertension related to mitral stenosis (narrowing of the mitral valve passageway)

There may be an interaction between Loniten (Minoxidil) and any of the following:

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Loniten (Minoxidil). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Loniten (Minoxidil).

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Loniten (Minoxidil) may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Loniten (Minoxidil) affects you.

Heart disease: People with certain types of heart disease may be at an increased risk of adverse reactions to Loniten (Minoxidil). If you have a history of heart attack or Stroke, heart disease, blood vessel disease, or Angina (chest pain), discuss with your doctor how Loniten (Minoxidil) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Loniten (Minoxidil), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney function: If you have Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Loniten (Minoxidil) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Loniten (Minoxidil), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Weight: Loniten (Minoxidil) can cause fluid to build up in the body, possibly leading to congestive heart disease. This can be controlled with diuretic medication (water pills) if necessary. Weigh yourself every day while taking Loniten (Minoxidil). If your weight increases by 2 kg (1 kg for children), call your doctor right away. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you experience swollen feet, ankles, or wrists, or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy: Loniten (Minoxidil) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Loniten (Minoxidil), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Loniten (Minoxidil) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Loniten (Minoxidil), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.