Minoxidil

What is minoxidil?

Minoxidil is a medicine used to lower blood pressure. It is also called an antihypertensive drug.

How should you give your child minoxidil?

Follow these instructions when giving your child minoxidil:

• Give this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, even if your child seems well.
• Talk to your child's doctor before you stop giving your child this medicine for any reason.
• Give your child minoxidil at the same time each day.

What should you do if your child misses a dose of minoxidil?

If your child misses a dose of the medicine:

• Give your child the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and give your child the next does at the regular time.
• Give your child only 1 dose at a time.

What are the possible side effects of minoxidil?

Your child may have some of these side effects while they take minoxidil. Usually your child will not need to see the doctor about them.

These side effects may go away as your child's body gets used to minoxidil. Check with your child's doctor if your child continues to have any of the following signs or symptoms and they do not go away or they bother your child:

• upset stomach
• unusual or rapid weight gain (more than 1 kg [2 pounds] in children)

Most of the following side effects are not common, but they may be a sign of a serious problem. Call your child's doctor right away or take your child to the Emergency Department if your child has any of these side effects:

• difficulty in breathing
• chest pain
• rapid heartbeat
• dizziness or fainting
• swollen face, hands, ankles, or stomach area

What other important information should I know about minoxidil?

• Your child may have an increased growth of hair, usually on the face, arms, and back. This extra hair will slowly go away after minoxidil is stopped.
• Minoxidil may cause dizziness, especially when your child first starts taking it. Make sure that your child will be able to sit down or lie down for a while after taking the first dose of minoxidil.
• Your child should get out of bed or get up from a sitting position slowly. Your child should sit or lie down if he or she does feel dizzy.
• Check with your child's doctor or pharmacist before you give your child any other medicines, even medicines you can buy without a doctor's order (prescription). Some cold or allergy medicines may increase your child's blood pressure.
• Make sure you always have enough minoxidil to last through weekends, holidays, and vacations. Call your pharmacy at least 2 days before your child runs out of medicine to order refills.
• Keep all appointments at the clinic or doctor's office so that the doctor can check your child's blood pressure.
  

Keep minoxidil out of your child’s sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. If your child takes too much minoxidil, call your local Poison Information Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free. 

• Call 1-844 POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, from anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
• Call 1-800-463-5060 if you live in Quebec.