What is Minoxidil?
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.
Minoxidil uses
- To improve hair growth in the treatment of male pattern baldness, Minoxidil solution and foam are used. It is not used in men for baldness on the front of the scalp or for hairline receding. The foam and 2 percent minoxidil solution are also used in women with thinning hair to help hair growth.
- Minoxidil is in a family of medicines known as vasodilators. Why minoxidil stimulates hair growth is not understood. This drug is not used after giving birth for sudden/patchy hair loss, unexplained hair loss (for instance, if you do not have a family history of hair loss), or hair loss.
- If you are 18 years old or younger, do not use this product.
How to use Minoxidil Solution
- Prior to using this product, read and follow all instructions on the product package. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about anything while starting to take it.
- Prior to applying the drug, clean and dry the scalp area. This product has to be applied in damp hair. Fill the applicator with 1 milliliter of the drug (to a 1-milliliter line) or use 20 drops to use the solution. In the thinning zone, split your hair and apply the solution evenly to the affected area of the scalp. Rub in gently. Before using other styling items (eg, gels, mousse) or before going to bed, allow the solution to dry fully.
- Rinse your hands in cold water in order to use the foam to dry properly. Apply about 1/2 cap of foam to the scalp and gently rub in. Before styling or going to bed, allow the foam to dry completely.
- You will need to stop using minoxidil on the same days that you have your hair colored or chemically treated if scalp irritation is a problem (for example, permed).
- Unless instructed by your doctor, do not use it on other parts of the body. Do not refer to red, sore, irritated, scratched, cut, or infected skin. Thoroughly wash hands after use. Stop having drugs in your eyes. Rinse your eyes with massive quantities of cold water if this happens.
- Do not use this drug more frequently, apply it more than necessary, or apply it to the scalp that is irritated or sunburned. Doing so will cause the body to absorb the drug and result in severe side effects. This substance may contain alcohol and may cause the scalp to become irritated and dry. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely use this product.
- It takes time to regenerate your hair. In order to see the benefit, most individuals need to use this drug daily for 4 months. For the preservation of hair growth, this drug must be used continuously. If, after taking this drug for 4 to 6 months, your condition does not improve or worsen, or if you suspect you may have a severe medical problem, notify your doctor.
- Burning, stinging, or redness can occur at the place of application. Contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately if any of these symptoms continue or deteriorate.
- If you have been directed to use this drug by your doctor, note that he or she has found that the advantage is greater than the risk of side effects. There are no significant side effects to many people who are taking this drug.
- This drug is rarely absorbed by the skin and can cause side effects. If you have any significant side effects, including unwanted facial/body hair, dizziness, fast/irregular pulse, fainting, chest pain, swelling of the hands/feet, unexplained weight gain, stop taking this drug, and inform your doctor immediately.
- It is unusual/rare to experience a very severe allergic reaction to this medication.. However, if you are experiencing any signs of a serious allergic reaction, including rashes in skin,too much of itching, swelling, extreme dizziness, difficulty breathing, get medical assistance immediately.
- Prior to using this product, read and follow all instructions on the product package. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about anything while starting to take it.
- Prior to applying the drug, clean and dry the scalp area. This product has to be applied in damp hair. Fill the applicator with 1 milliliter of the drug (to a 1-milliliter line) or use 20 drops to use the solution. In the thinning zone, split your hair and apply the solution evenly to the affected area of the scalp. Rub in gently. Before using other styling items (eg, gels, mousse) or before going to bed, allow the solution to dry fully.
- Rinse your hands in cold water in order to use the foam to dry properly. Apply about 1/2 cap of foam to the scalp and gently rub in. Before styling or going to bed, allow the foam to dry completely.
- You will need to stop using minoxidil on the same days that you have your hair colored or chemically treated if scalp irritation is a problem (for example, permed).
- Unless instructed by your doctor, do not use it on other parts of the body. Do not refer to red, sore, irritated, scratched, cut, or infected skin. Thoroughly wash hands after use. Stop having drugs in your eyes. Rinse your eyes with massive quantities of cold water if this happens.
- Do not use this drug more frequently, apply it more than necessary, or apply it to the scalp that is irritated or sunburned. Doing so will cause the body to absorb the drug and result in severe side effects. This substance may contain alcohol and may cause the scalp to become irritated and dry. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely use this product.
- It takes time to regenerate your hair. In order to see the benefit, most individuals need to use this drug daily for 4 months. For the preservation of hair growth, this drug must be used continuously. If, after taking this drug for 4 to 6 months, your condition does not improve or worsen, or if you suspect you may have a severe medical problem, notify your doctor.
- Burning, stinging, or redness can occur at the place of application. Contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately if any of these symptoms continue or deteriorate.
- If you have been directed to use this drug by your doctor, note that he or she has found that the advantage is greater than the risk of side effects. There are no significant side effects to many people who are taking this drug.
- This drug is rarely absorbed by the skin and can cause side effects. If you have any significant side effects, including unwanted facial/body hair, dizziness, fast/irregular pulse, fainting, chest pain, swelling of the hands/feet, unexplained weight gain, stop taking this drug, and inform your doctor immediately.
- It is unusual/rare to experience a very severe allergic reaction to this medication.. However, if you are experiencing any signs of a serious allergic reaction, including rashes in skin,too much of itching, swelling, extreme dizziness, difficulty breathing, get medical assistance immediately.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to minoxidil or if you have any other allergies before using minoxidil. There may be many or some inactive ingredients in this, that may cause allergic reactions or other problems. For more info, talk to your pharmacist.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you have any of the following health issues: scalp conditions (e.g., eczema, infection, cuts), cardiac problems (e.g., chest pain, heart attack, heart failure), kidney disease, liver disease.
- This product can be used during pregnancy only when it is specifically needed. Discuss with your doctor the risks, benefits and advantages.
- It is not clear whether this medicine passes through breast milk or not. Before breastfeeding consult.
Interactions
Drug interactions might change the functioning and how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Keep a list of all the products you are using and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Never start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines on your own without your doctor's approval. Some other medicines that may interact with this drug include drugs for high blood pressure (like guanethidine), drugs that interact with alcohol (like disulfiram, metronidazole).
Missed Dose
Skip the forgotten dose and continue with your regular dosage schedule. Do not take double doses to make up for the forgotten one.
Overdose
Don't take overdose. If someone has taken too much immediately take medical help.
Storage
Keep this drug secured, and very far from the reach of children, in the bottle in which it came in. Store it away from excess heat and moisture at room temperature and (not in the bathroom). As several containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily, it is necessary to keep all medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Often lock safety caps and quickly put the drug in a secure position to protect small children from poisoning, one that is up and away and out of their sight and control.
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 |
