Loniten Uses

What Is Loniten Used For?

Loniten^® (minoxidil oral) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of severe hypertension (high blood pressure). It is normally used in combination with other high blood pressure medications, including diuretics and beta blockers.

 

Using Loniten for High Blood Pressure

Your blood pressure is the measure of the force inside your blood vessels, both while the heart is beating and while it is relaxed. High blood pressure, known medically as hypertension, occurs when that force is too high. If you have high blood pressure, your heart has to work extra hard to pump blood throughout your body.

 

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers: a systolic number (the top number) and a diastolic number (the bottom number). The systolic number is a measure of blood pressure when the heart is beating. The diastolic number is a measure of blood pressure when the heart is relaxed.

 

Most people with high blood pressure do not have any symptoms. Even though high blood pressure may not cause symptoms, if left untreated, it can cause damage to many vital organs of the body, including the eyes, heart, brain, and kidneys. Over time, damage to these organs may lead to serious health problems, including:

 

 

 

Loniten is a strong blood pressure medication. It also has the potential to cause serious side effects. Therefore, this medication is only used to treat blood pressure that is very high, is causing symptoms or damage to vital body organs, and is not well controlled with other medications.

 

If you take Loniten, you will most likely also need to take at least two other blood pressure medications. These medications, usually a beta blocker and a diuretic ("water pill"), help to prevent certain Loniten side effects (see Loniten Warnings and Precautions for more information).

 

Loniten is not a cure for high blood pressure. If you stop taking it, your blood pressure will increase. Most people with high blood pressure will need to take medication their entire lives.

 

Loniten should not be confused with Rogaine^® (minoxidil). Rogaine is a liquid, topical medication applied to the scalp to stimulate hair growth. Although both of these medications contain minoxidil, they are not interchangeable. Loniten is not approved to stimulate hair growth. Liquids made from Loniten and applied to the scalp could cause too much minoxidil to be absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to dangerous side effects.