LONITEN, known generically as minoxidil, is a medication primarily used to treat severe hypertension (high blood pressure) that has not responded adequately to other treatments. It works by relaxing and dilating blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure and allowing the heart to pump blood more easily throughout the body. While LONITEN is effective in lowering blood pressure, it is often considered a last-resort medication due to its potential side effects, including excessive hair growth. For this reason, it is also used topically as a treatment for certain types of hair loss. When prescribed for hypertension, LONITEN is usually used in combination with other medications to prevent fluid retention and other possible side effects.