What is Loniten?
Loniten is an oral tablet that is primarily used to treat high blood pressure. It is a peripheral vasodilator, meaning that it can widen blood vessels in the “peripheral” areas of the body such as the limbs. This increased the amount of blood flow and can also help to prevent clots from forming in the limbs which, in turn, can travel to the heart. A low blood pressure can also prevent kidney problems as well.
Loniten and Hair Restoration
All loniten tablets contain minoxidil, the active ingredient that gives the medicine its ability to lower blood pressure – otherwise known as its antihypertensive properties. One well-documented side effect of all products containing minoxidil, however, is its stimulating effects on the hair follicles to produce darker, fuller hair. This increase in hair growth is not permanent, and only lasts as long as the medication is continuously used. Once the medication stops, the stimulating effects on the hair follicles typically go away within a number of months, and the hair returns to its preexisting condition.
Who should not take Loniten?
This medicine is not for everyone, and should never be taken by anyone with the following characteristics:
- A history of heart problems (especially heart failure or heart attack).
- A history of lung problems (particularly pulmonary hypertension).
- Pheochromocytoma – a genetic kidney disorder which causes the adrenal gland to release an abnormal level of hormones, causing high blood pressure.
- Any chest pains (otherwise known as angina pectoris).
Loniten and Salt Retention
A New Zealand study finds that using this medicine may cause the body to retain salt and water at a higher level than normal, which can result in:
- Hepatojugular reflux – Pressure from the liver elevates pressure in the neck veins. This is an early sign of congestive heart failure.
- Oedema – A condition where fluid retention causes tissues to become puffy, particularly in the face, eyes and hands.
Loniten and Pericardial Effusion
The pericardium is a membrane that surrounds the heart and contains a tiny amount of fluid. An “effusion” is when fluid escapes into a cavity. A pericardial effusion, therefore, is when the pericardium fills with fluid. The heart is surrounded by fluid, and has trouble functioning. If not treated, it can lead to heart failure and death. Certain medications are known to sometimes cause pericardial effusion – loniten is one of them.
Loniten and Tamponade
This is a progression of pericardial effusion in which the excess fluid causes the heart chambers to collapse. This is an extremely dangerous condition because the heart will not be able to adequately pump enough blood for the body, which in turn lowers the overall oxygen supply.
Loniten and Hypertrichosis
In certain extreme instances, the rejuvenating effects of minoxidil become especially invasive and turn into a condition known as hypertrichosis. With hypertrichosis, hair on the face, body and scalp grows much longer and thicker than normal. This side effect is typically spotted within a number of weeks after starting treatment, and goes away within a number of months after discontinuation.