What is Lonolox (Minoxidil)?
Lonolox® (active ingredient minoxidil) is one of the strongest oral vasodilators and is used in severe, therapy-resistant high blood pressure if all other drugs fail. It opens potassium-dependent potassium channels in the smooth vascular muscle and causes a strong expansion of the arteries.
Minoxidil is known to many people as hair growth agents (e.g. Regaine®). The blood pressure-lowering effect was first discovered, and the increased hair growth (hypertric pants) was originally a side effect which was then used for topical application in hair loss.
Lonolox® is used only in combination with a beta blocker (against reflextachycardia) and a diuretic (against liquid retention). It is not a drug for standard therapy of high blood pressure, but a reserve medication for extreme cases.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a potassium channel opener:
Active mechanism:
- Opens ATP-dependent potassium channels in the smooth vascular muscle
- Potassium flows out of cells → Hyperpolarization of the cell membrane
- Calcium channels close → Muscle cells relax
- Strong arterial vasodilatation
- Drastic reduction of peripheral vascular resistance
Strength of effect:
- One of the most potent oral vasodilators
- Can reduce blood pressure even in the most severe hypertension
- Works mainly on arteries (close to veins)
Gegenregulations (important!):
- Reflective tachycardia (heart frequency rises sharply)
- Sodium retention and water retention (weight increase, edema)
- Activation of the renin angiotensin-aldosterone system
- Therefore IMMER in combination with Betablocker + Diuretic!
Initiation of action: After 30-60 minutes. Maximum effect after 2-4 hours. Duration: 24-72 hours.
Who is it suitable for?
Lonolox® (Minoxidil) is suitable for:
- Heavy, therapy-resistant high blood pressure (if at least 3-4 other medicines are not sufficient)
- Malignant hypertension
- Hypertensive encephalopathy (after initial i.v. therapy)
Provisions for application:
- Only in combination with beta blocker AND diuretic
- Medical supervision
- Regular echocardiography recommended
**Not suitable as:* *
- First line therapy for high blood pressure
- Apply monotherapy (NIEMALS alone!)
- In phenochromocytoma
- With pericardium casting
- Pregnancy
Available Dosages
**Heavy therapy-resistant high blood pressure:* *
- start dose: 2.5-5 mg once a day
- Slow increase every 3-7 days
- usual dose: 10-20 mg daily (1-2 administrations)
- Maximum dose: 40 mg daily (rare to 100 mg)
Children (under supervision):
- start dose: 0.2 mg/kg/day
- Maximum dose: 1 mg/kg/day (max. 50 mg)
Additional therapy (compulsory):
- Beta-blockers (e.g. bisoprolol 5-10 mg or propanolol 80-160 mg)
- grinding diuretic (e.g. furosemid 40-80 mg)
Available starches:
- 2.5 mg, 10 mg tablets (Lonolox®)
How to Take
Intake:
- One to twice a day
- Independent meals
- Take with water
- Always together with beta blocker and diuretic
**MAIN – triple therapy:* * Lonolox® can be taken by NIEMALS alone! It must be IMMER together with: 1. A beta blocker (against heart turf) Two. A diuretic (against water retention) to be taken.
Monitoring:
- Close blood pressure and pulse controls
- Daily weight control (liquid retention)
- Regular echocardiography (pericard casting)
- Control electrolytes and kidneys
- Pay attention to signs of heart failure
Contraindications
**Lonolox® must not be accepted at:* *
- phenochromocytoma
- Pericard cast iron
- Pulmonary hypertension (secondary by mitralstenosis)
- hypersensitivity to minoxidil
- As monotherapy (NIEMALS alone!)
Preview at:
- coronary heart disease (reflextachycardia can deteriorate Angina)
- Heart failure (liquid retention)
- Kidney insufficiency (reinforced fluid retention)
- After heart attack (first after stabilization)
- Older patients (increased sensitivity)
pregnant: Strikt contraindicated. Minoxidil can cause malformations. Women of a child age must be reliably prevented.
Possible Side Effects
Very common (over 10%):
- Hypertric pants (reinforced hair growth throughout the body, 80%!)
- Edema and weight gain (without diuretic)
- Tachycardia (without beta blocker)
Acid (1-10%):
- Liquid retention
- Headaches
- Heart palp
- Chest pain (Angina at KHK)
- fatigue
** Occasionally (0,1-1%):* *
- Pericard casting (can lead to the tamponade!)
- EKG changes (T-wave flattening)
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- Skin rash
- Breast tensions
Selten, but seriously:
- Perikardtamponade (life threat!)
- Heavy heart failure due to liquid retention
- Stevens-Johnson's syndrome
Hypertrichose: Strengthened hair growth (face, arms, back) occurs in approximately 80% of patients and begins 3-6 weeks after the start of therapy. It is reversible after decommissioning (after 1-6 months). This can be particularly burdensome for women.
Interactions
Important combinations (PFLICHT):
- Betablockers → MUST be given simultaneously (against reflextachycardia)
- Diuretic → MUST be given simultaneously (against liquid retention)
Preview at:
- Other blood pressure counter → increased hypotension
- NSAR → can strengthen liquid retention
- Guanethidine → orthostatic hypotension
- Erythropoietin → can reduce the effect
** The simultaneous administration of beta blocker and diuretic is not an option but a duty. Without this accompanying medication, life-threatening complications can occur (heavy tachycardia, heart failure, pericardous casting).
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is Lonolox (Minoxidil) right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.