Minoxidil

Uses	High Blood Pressure
Therapy	Anti-Hypertensive
Side Effects	Salt and Water Retention, Elevated Heart Rate, Increased Hair Growth.

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Molecule Description

Minoxidil is used in topical and oral forms to combat pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in both men and women. When applied directly to the scalp, it acts as a vasodilator, meaning it helps to widen the small blood vessels around the hair follicles. This increased blood flow delivers more oxygen, blood, and vital nutrients directly to the follicle, which can revitalize them. It is available as a topical solution or foam, and in some cases, a low-dose oral tablet may be prescribed by your doctor. Hair growth is a slow process. You need to use topical Minoxidil consistently for 2 to 4 months before you may notice the first signs of improvement. Maximum effect is usually seen after about 12 months of continuous use. Minoxidil's effects are only maintained as long as you continue to use it. If you stop treatment, any hair that grew as a result of the medication will typically shed, and your hair loss will likely resume its natural progression within a few months.

Uses

Severe high blood pressure (causing damage to vital organs)
Scalp hair growth (only topical applications)

Contraindications

When should one not use Minoxidil

If you are allergic to this medicine
If you have a personal or family history of prostate or breast cancer
If your high blood pressure is caused by hormones from a tumour

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Nausea and vomiting
Skin rash
Breast pain
Changes in facial hair
Fast heartbeats
Itching, hives and rash
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Chest pain
Swelling of legs and feet
Weight gain, breathlessness
Dizziness
Side effects of topical applications are:
Scalp irritation
Increased facial hair

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Do not use this medicine in pregnancy as it may affect the baby.

Breast Feeding

This medicine passes into breast milk hence not recommended in breastfeeding.

Driving

Taking this medicine may lead to cause dizziness, especially when you first start the treatment or your dose is increased.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol may lead to cause more dizziness.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

Inform your doctor before having surgery regarding all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs and herbal products)
Do not take this medicine in two hours before your dialysis session. Take it after the dialysis otherwise more than two hours before

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Minoxidil is a blood vessel (vasodilator) medicine, thereby decreasing the blood pressure. It also improves blood flow to the scalp, leading to improved hair follicle functioning which stimulates hair growth.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

No drug interactions are known as such but inform your physician about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines that you are taking.

Interactions with food items

No specific interactions with food have been reported yet.

Dosage

Overdose

Overdose may lead to very low blood pressure leading to fainting or dizziness or more severe complications like rapid heartbeats, fluid overload in the body, collection of fluid around the lungs and coma.

Missed a Dose

Take the missed dose as early as you remember. Skip the missed dose and do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Inform the doctor about your detailed medical and surgical history or if you are pregnant, lactating or planning a pregnancyInform your physician if you have any of the following conditions:Kidney diseaseHeart disorders like angina, congestive heart diseaseMigraineEpilepsyAdrenal gland tumorPersonal or family history of breast or prostate cancerInform your doctor if you see sudden gain of 25-30 kg weight in a short span after having started using this medicine

Minoxidil should be taken in the exact dose as advised by the physicianOverdose of Minoxidil can cause serious heart problemsContinue the medicine even after you are feeling wellDo not stop the medication in betweenKeep a check on your weight, if you happen to gain 25 kg in a short span then inform your physicianTopical use of Minoxidil – Dry your hair and scalp before the application of the medicineApply only the recommended dosage as advised by your doctorDo not apply more than the recommended dose as it may lead to side effectsIt may take up to 4 months to see visible hair growthMake sure the medicine does not enter your eyes

Yes. Minoxidil is an FDA-approved treatment for hair loss in both men and women, although the recommended strengths may differ (e.g., a 5% concentration is commonly recommended for men and a 2% or 5% for women, depending on the formulation).

Yes, this is a phenomenon called "initial shedding" and is a sign that the medication is working. Minoxidil speeds up the hair cycle, causing old, resting hair to fall out so that new, thicker hair can grow in their place. This temporary shedding usually occurs within the first few weeks and should resolve within a couple of months.

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