Lonitab 2.5 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

LONITAB 2.5 MG TABLET

Lonitab 2.5 MG Tablet is a medication manufactured by Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

• Name:

  • Brand Name: Lonitab 2.5 Tablet
  • Common Name: Minoxidil (as the active ingredient)

• Composition:

  • Each tablet contains Minoxidil 2.5 mg.

• Uses: Lonitab 2.5 MG Tablet is primarily used to manage severe hypertension (high blood pressure), especially when other antihypertensive medications have not been effective or are unsuitable. It is considered a second-line treatment. In some cases, it may also be prescribed to promote hair growth in conditions like androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) by increasing blood flow to hair follicles.

• Dosage and Administration: This medicine is taken orally, usually once or twice daily, with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and not crushed, chewed, or broken. For optimal results, it should be taken at the same time each day. The exact dosage and duration will be determined by a healthcare professional based on the patient's condition and blood pressure response.

• Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

  • Fluid retention (edema), swelling, or weight gain
  • Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Headache
  • Excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis), which often appears on the face and may subside with continued treatment
  • Breast tenderness or pain
  • Rash or itching
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dizziness, especially upon standing up More serious, though less common, side effects can include worsening angina or new onset chest pain, and symptoms of heart problems.

• Precautions:

  • Contraindications: Lonitab 2.5 MG Tablet should not be used if you are allergic to minoxidil, have high blood pressure caused by a tumor (pheochromocytoma), have heart failure, or have recently had a heart attack.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and the benefits outweigh the risks, and after consulting a doctor, as it is a pregnancy category C drug. Minoxidil can pass into breast milk, so caution is advised for breastfeeding women.
  • Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, lung diseases, asthma, migraines, or a history of heart conditions.
  • Driving and Machinery: This medication may cause dizziness, affecting the ability to drive or operate machinery.
  • Alcohol: Caution is advised with alcohol consumption, as it may worsen dizziness.
  • Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, especially other blood pressure-lowering drugs like guanethidine or betanidine.

• Storage: Store Lonitab 2.5 MG Tablet in a dry place below 30°C (or between 10°C and 25°C), protected from light and moisture. Keep it out of sight and reach of children. Do not freeze.

LONITAB 2.5 MG TABLET contains Minoxidil as its active ingredient and is primarily used to manage severe hypertension (high blood pressure) and, in some cases, hair loss.

What is LONITAB 2.5 MG TABLET used for?

LONITAB 2.5 MG TABLET is primarily used to treat severe high blood pressure (hypertension), especially when other medications have not been effective or are unsuitable. It is also prescribed for certain types of hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness).

How does LONITAB 2.5 MG TABLET work?

This medicine is a vasodilator and a potassium channel opener. It works by relaxing and widening the small blood vessels, which reduces the resistance to blood flow and helps lower blood pressure. When used for hair loss, it is thought to stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth.

What is the usual dosage for LONITAB 2.5 MG TABLET?

LONITAB 2.5 MG TABLET should be taken orally, with or without food, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is typically taken once or twice daily at the same time each day. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. Your doctor may adjust the dosage based on your blood pressure response.

What are the possible side effects of LONITAB 2.5 MG TABLET?

Common side effects can include dizziness, headache, excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis), weight gain, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), fluid retention (oedema), nausea, and vomiting. Some individuals may also experience low blood pressure (hypotension) or breast pain/tenderness. If you experience severe side effects such as fainting, severe dizziness, significant fluid retention, wheezing, breathlessness, fatigue, or new or worsening chest pain (angina), seek immediate medical attention.

Is LONITAB 2.5 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

LONITAB 2.5 MG TABLET may not be safe during pregnancy, as animal studies have indicated potential harm to the developing baby. It is a pregnancy category C drug, and its use should only be considered if the benefits clearly outweigh the risks, under strict medical supervision. Minoxidil, the active ingredient, can pass into breast milk, making it potentially unsafe during breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding before taking this medication.

Can LONITAB 2.5 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

It is crucial to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Taking LONITAB 2.5 MG TABLET with other blood pressure-lowering medicines can intensify their effects, leading to a drastic drop in blood pressure. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce its effectiveness. Additionally, LONITAB 2.5 MG TABLET may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

What precautions should be taken while using LONITAB 2.5 MG TABLET?

Before starting this medicine, inform your doctor if you have a history of conditions such as pheochromocytoma, heart problems (including heart failure, angina, or a recent heart attack), lung diseases, asthma, migraine, seizures, or liver and kidney diseases. LONITAB 2.5 MG TABLET can cause dizziness, so caution is advised when driving or operating machinery until you know how the medicine affects you. Alcohol consumption should be avoided or limited as it may worsen dizziness. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, fluid, and electrolyte levels is recommended.

What happens if a dose of LONITAB 2.5 MG TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose of LONITAB 2.5 MG TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should LONITAB 2.5 MG TABLET be stored?

LONITAB 2.5 MG TABLET should be stored in a cool, dry place, typically below 30°C (some sources specify not above 25°C). Keep it in its original packaging, protected from light and moisture. Ensure the medicine is kept out of the sight and reach of children, and do not freeze it.