Minoxidil: Uses, How to Use, Side Effects and Precautions
Minoxidil is a drug used for treating males and females with elevated blood pressure and hair loss patterns. It is a vasodilator with antihypertensive effects. It is available by prescription as a generic drug in oral tablet form and as a topical liquid or foam over the counter.
What is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and hair loss in both males and females. It acts as a vasodilator with antihypertensive effects and is available by prescription as a generic oral tablet and as a topical liquid or foam over the counter.
Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!
Get A Second Opinion
Uses of Minoxidil
-
Hair Growth: Minoxidil solution and foam help improve hair growth in treating male pattern baldness. It is not effective for baldness on the front of the scalp or receding hairlines. The foam and 2% minoxidil solution are also used in women with thinning hair to aid hair growth.
-
Not Suitable For:
- Sudden/patchy hair loss
- Unexplained hair loss
- Hair loss after giving birth
- Individuals under 18 years old
How to Use Minoxidil Solution
-
Preparation:
- Read and follow all instructions on the product package.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist if unsure about anything.
- Clean and dry the scalp area before application.
- Apply to damp hair.
-
Application:
- Fill the applicator with 1 milliliter of the solution (20 drops) and apply to the thinning area of the scalp.
- Rub it gently.
- Allow the solution to dry completely before using other styling products or going to bed.
-
Foam Application:
- Rinse your hands in cold water before use.
- Apply about 1/2 a cap of foam to the scalp and rub in gently.
- Allow the foam to dry completely before styling or going to bed.
-
Special Considerations:
- Stop using Minoxidil on days when you color or chemically treat your hair if you experience scalp irritation.
- Do not use other body parts unless instructed by your doctor.
- Avoid applying to red, sore, irritated, scratched, cut or infected skin.
- Wash hands thoroughly after use.
- Avoid getting the drug in your eyes. If it happens, rinse your eyes with plenty of cold water.
-
Usage Frequency:
- Do not use it more frequently than recommended.
- Avoid using an irritated or sunburned scalp to prevent severe side effects.
- Continuous use is necessary to maintain hair growth.
Side Effects of Minoxidil
Common Side Effects:
Serious Side Effects:
Precautions
-
Allergies: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Minoxidil or any other substances.
-
Medical Conditions: Consult your doctor if you have scalp conditions, heart problems, kidney disease, or liver disease.
-
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Use only if specifically needed and after consulting your doctor.
Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an Appointment
Dosage Instructions for Using Minoxidil
- Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase the risk of serious side effects.
- Keep a list of all products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Missed Dose
- Skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
- Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
- Do not take an overdose. Seek immediate medical help if someone has taken too much.
Storage
- Keep this medication out of reach of children and store it in its original container at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
- Ensure all medicines are out of sight and reach of children, using child-resistant containers where available.