From the Guidelines
It is generally safe to take minoxidil with Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone), as there are no known significant drug interactions between these medications. Minoxidil, whether used topically for hair loss or orally for blood pressure, works through different mechanisms than Suboxone, which is an opioid medication used for opioid dependence treatment 1. However, you should always consult with your healthcare provider before combining these medications, especially if you're taking oral minoxidil for blood pressure. This is important because both medications can have cardiovascular effects - oral minoxidil can lower blood pressure, while Suboxone can occasionally affect heart rate 1. Your doctor may want to monitor your blood pressure and heart function if you're using both medications. Some key points to consider when taking these medications together include:
- Minoxidil can cause hirsutism and requires a loop diuretic when used orally for blood pressure 1
- Suboxone can have multiple drug-drug interactions resulting in QT-interval prolongation, serotonin syndrome, paralytic ileus, reduced analgesic effect, or precipitation of withdrawal symptoms 1
- Concomitant use of buprenorphine and QT-prolonging agents is contraindicated 1 Additionally, be sure to inform all your healthcare providers about all medications you're taking to ensure comprehensive care and avoid potential complications.
From the Research
Minoxidil and Suboxone Interaction
- There are no research papers to assist in answering this question regarding the interaction between minoxidil and suboxone 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The provided studies focus on the efficacy and safety of minoxidil for hair loss treatment, but do not mention its interaction with suboxone.
- Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid addiction, and its interaction with minoxidil is not discussed in the available literature.
Minoxidil Safety and Efficacy
- Minoxidil has been found to be a safe and effective treatment for hair loss, with low-dose oral minoxidil having a good safety profile 3, 4, 5.
- The most common adverse effects of low-dose oral minoxidil include hypertrichosis, lightheadedness, fluid retention, and tachycardia 3, 5.
- Topical minoxidil is also effective for hair loss treatment, but may have limitations due to the need for daily application and potential scalp irritation 2, 6.