Minoxidil
Description
Minoxidil is used in topical and oral forms to combat pattern hair loss (androg
enetic 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
Q:
Can I take Minoxidil during pregnancy?
A:
Do not use this medicine in pregnancy as it may affect the baby.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Minoxidil while breastfeeding?
A:
This medicine passes into breast milk hence not recommended in breastfeeding.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Minoxidil?
A:
Taking this medicine may lead to cause dizziness, especially when you first start the treatment or your dose is increased.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Minoxidil?
A:
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.
Dietary Restrictions
No information is available on dietary restrictions while you are taking Minoxidil, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.
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.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Mahesh Muthe
MBBS
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking Minoxidil?
- Inform the doctor about your detailed medical and surgical history or if you are pregnant, lactating or planning a pregnancy
- Inform your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- Kidney disease
- Heart disorders like angina, congestive heart disease
- Migraine
- Epilepsy
- Adrenal gland tumor
- Personal or family history of breast or prostate cancer
- Inform your doctor if you see sudden gain of 25-30 kg weight in a short span after having started using this medicine
Q: When and how to consume the medicine?
- Minoxidil should be taken in the exact dose as advised by the physician
- Overdose of Minoxidil can cause serious heart problems
- Continue the medicine even after you are feeling well
- Do not stop the medication in between
- Keep a check on your weight, if you happen to gain 25 kg in a short span then inform your physician
- Topical use of Minoxidil –
- Dry your hair and scalp before the application of the medicine
- Apply only the recommended dosage as advised by your doctor
- Do not apply more than the recommended dose as it may lead to side effects
- It may take up to 4 months to see visible hair growth
- Make sure the medicine does not enter your eyes
Q: Can Minoxidil be used by both men and women?
- 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)....
Q: Is it normal to see increased hair shedding initially?
- 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....
References
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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
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