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?
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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 or pharmacist.
Important Safety Information
This service operates under German pharmaceutical law (HWG). For risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and consult your doctor or pharmacist. All medications are dispensed from a licensed pharmacy in Germany.