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.

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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.

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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.

Minoxidil vs Redensyl

Minoxidil Redensyl
Minoxidil is a drug used for treating males and females with elevated blood pressure and hair loss patterns. Redensyl is a hair growth treatment that targets hair growth at the cellular level.
Takes time according to patient’s condition Results in 2-4 weeks
Minimizes hair loss Minimizes hair loss
Oral form Shampoo and serum based

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does Minoxidil work?

Minoxidil works by widening blood vessels, which increases the supply of oxygen-rich blood to hair follicles. It also helps enlarge hair follicles, allowing thicker and stronger hair to develop.

2. Will Minoxidil regrow hair?

Yes, Minoxidil can help regrow hair and slow down further loss if you're in the early stages of hair loss. It is the only scientifically validated topical medication approved by the FDA for hair regrowth.

3. Is Minoxidil safe to use?

Minoxidil is approved by Health Canada and the US FDA for treating hair loss in men and women. It is available as a 2% and 5% topical solution. While generally safe, it should be used with caution, and it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider before starting treatment.

4. What happens if you stop using Minoxidil?

If you stop using Minoxidil, you will eventually lose the hair you gained during treatment. To maintain results, consistent use is necessary.

5. Can Minoxidil be used to grow a beard?

Yes, many have successfully used Minoxidil for beard growth. The 5% Minoxidil solution is generally considered safe and effective for promoting facial hair growth.

6. Can I use Minoxidil without consulting a doctor?

While a prescription is not required to purchase Minoxidil, it's recommended to consult a primary care doctor or dermatologist before starting treatment to ensure it's appropriate for your specific situation.

7. What should I do if I miss a dose of Minoxidil?

If you miss a dose, skip the forgotten dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for the missed one.


Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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