JW Minoxidil Tablet (Minoxidil)

Adult dose

Adults (12 years and older): Initially administer 5mg of minoxidil orally once daily, increasing to a maintenance dose of 10-40mg divided once or multiple times daily. A maximum of 100mg may be administered per day. The frequency of administration is based on fluctuations in arterial blood pressure; if the decrease in baseline pressure is less than 30mmHg, it is given once daily, and if it is more than 30mmHg, it is divided into two doses daily. The dosing should be adjusted cautiously based on the patient's response.

Child dose

Children (under 12 years): Administer an initial dose of 0.2mg per kg of body weight once daily, and up to a 50-100% increase can be made until blood pressure is optimally controlled. Maintenance dose is 0.25mg.

This drug should not be used in patients with certain diseases. For example, it should not be administered to patients with rare tumors known as pheochromocytoma, as it may increase the secretion of substances from the tumor. Moreover, patients with pulmonary hypertension due to mitral stenosis, acute myocardial infarction patients, and those who have experienced allergic reactions to this drug are also excluded from treatment. Patients with chronic congestive heart failure, severe renal failure, and angina should use this drug with greater caution. These patients may experience worsening conditions, and treatment should be conducted under strict medical supervision. Common side effects may include abnormal hair growth when taking this medication. Hair growth may increase particularly between the eyebrows, on the face, arms, and legs, and this phenomenon typically begins 3 to 6 weeks after starting the medication. Stopping the medication will halt new hair growth, but it may take several months to return to the original state. This side effect is not related to hormonal abnormalities, but caution is advised, especially for children and women. Additionally, hypersensitivity reactions such as skin rashes or blisters, and in severe cases, conditions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome, may occur. Laboratory tests may show decreased platelet or white blood cell counts, and liver function test levels may temporarily rise. Changes in heart electrical signals may be observed on electrocardiograms, but most will recover naturally with continued treatment. Serious problems with heart function are rare. Rarely, pericardial effusion may occur, especially in patients with poor kidney function, and this is more likely to be observed. In such cases, it is necessary to check the condition via ultrasound and adjust treatment if necessary. Other symptoms such as weight gain, peripheral edema, increased heart rate, digestive disturbances, rash, breast pain, gynecomastia, anemia, headache, intermittent claudication, frequent menstruation, nausea and vomiting, decreased platelet counts, decreased white blood cells, decreased hematocrit, decreased hemoglobin, decreased red blood cells, increased ALP, electrocardiogram abnormalities, pericardial effusion, angina, and palpitations may also occur. This medication is usually used in conjunction with diuretics to prevent the accumulation of body water and salt. Body weight and fluid status should be checked frequently, and if abnormalities occur, adjustments to diuretic dosages or restrictions on salt intake may be necessary. Due to its vasodilating effects, this medication may speed up the heart rate, which may lead to chest pain, so it is often taken with heart medications to prevent this. Patients with poor kidney function or those undergoing dialysis should have their dosages reduced, and appropriate measures should be taken to prevent further kidney function deterioration. Myocardial infarction patients should only use this medication after their condition has stabilized. While on this medication, regular examinations such as urinalysis, kidney function tests, electrocardiograms, chest X-rays, and echocardiograms are necessary. There may be interactions with other medications, so it is important to consult with a physician when taking antihypertensives, antidepressants, steroids, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Pregnant women should avoid taking this drug as its safety has not been established, and nursing mothers should also avoid administration or stop breastfeeding if possible. There is limited experience using this medication in children, particularly in newborns, so administration should be done with caution. In the event of an overdose, intravenous saline may be administered to maintain blood pressure and promote urination, while cardiac stimulants should be avoided as they may increase cardiac burden. In critical cases, professional medical treatment may be necessary.

Serious side effects

Exudative rash due to hypersensitivity, vesicular lesions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, pericardial effusion and angina (especially in patients with poor kidney function or damage), severe edema (related to peripheral edema and pericardial effusion), blood abnormalities (reduced platelets, reduced white blood cells).

Mild side effects

• Hirsutism
• weight gain
• peripheral edema
• increased heart rate
• elevation of creatinine
• elevation of BUN
• gastrointestinal disturbances
• rash
• breast pain
• gynecomastia

This medication should be stored in a tightly sealed container to prevent exposure to air or moisture. The storage temperature should ideally be maintained between 1 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Appearance

White or almost white round tablets

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 90 tablets/bottle