Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a drug that belongs to the class of drugs called vasodilators. Vasodilators are drugs that widen and thus relax the blood vessels, causing fluid to flow more easily through them. It was initially used to treat elevated blood pressure, but its uses have increased with time.
The usage of Minoxidil as a vasodilator caused one significant side effect called Hypertrichosis. Hypertrichosis causes excessive hair to grow anywhere in the body of males and females. This led to the usage of topical Minoxidil to treat male pattern baldness and for
hair growth.
What are the Uses of Minoxidil?
Oral Minoxidil tablets are available only by doctor’s prescription to control blood pressure. However, topical creams and foams are available over the counter. Minoxidil has the following uses:
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Topical minoxidil is indicated to be used for androgenetic alopecia and is approved by the FDA. It may also be used off-label for the treatment of other hair loss-related conditions like alopecia areata, beard enhancement, chemotherapy-induced alopecia, eyebrow enhancement, frontal fibrosing alopecia, and scarring alopecia.
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Minoxidil solution and foam are used to treat male pattern baldness. 2% Minoxidil solution can be beneficial to treat hair thinning in women.
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Oral Minoxidil tablets can be prescribed by a doctor to treat hypertension or high blood pressure as it relaxes the blood vessels and lowers the blood pressure.
How and when to take Minoxidil?
Oral Minoxidil tablets
Oral minoxidil tablets should only be used when prescribed by a doctor. Minoxidil tablets can be taken with or without a meal as directed by the physician. The tablets can be swallowed \ with water. Doctors usually prescribe one or two doses per day. It is better if the tablets are taken at around the same time every day.
Topical Minoxidil
Minoxidil is available in the form of a solution or foam. It can be applied directly to the scalp to promote hair growth in men and women. Apply the dosage as prescribed by the physician to the affected area once or twice a day.
What are the side effects of minoxidil?
All medications may have certain side effects. The Minoxidil side effects include:
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Dizziness or lightheadedness.
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Fainting
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Fast Heartbeat
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Growth or darkening of fine body hair
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Shortness of breath
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Swelling in the ankles/feet
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Tiredness
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Unusual/sudden weight gain
Typical foams and solutions can have the following side effects:
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Burning
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Chest pain
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Difficulty breathing, especially when lying down
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Dizziness
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Itching
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Fainting
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Fast or irregular heartbeat
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Redness
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Swelling of hands and feet
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Tiredness
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Unusual weight gain
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Unwanted facial or body hair
Although rare, serious side effects of oral minoxidil have been reported, like congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease,
pulmonary hypertension, and sodium and fluid retention, a serious allergic reaction to minoxidil is rare. However, if a serious allergic reaction occurs or any other side effects persist, contact your doctor immediately.
What are the precautions to be taken while using Minoxidil?
Keep the following pointers in mind when taking Minoxidil:
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Read the leaflet carefully before using the medication.
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Only use minoxidil on the advice of a doctor.
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Inform the doctor of any preexisting allergies or health conditions.
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Follow the dosage prescribed by the doctor.
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Pregnant and/or breastfeeding women must discuss with their physician if they have been prescribed Minoxidil to treat a specific condition.
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There is currently no study or information about how minoxidil promotes hair growth. Hence, it should not be used to treat sudden loss of a hair patch or postpartum hair loss.
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People younger than 18 years and older than 65 years must talk about the risks and benefits with their doctor if they have been prescribed Minoxidil.
What if you miss a dose of Minoxidil?
If you miss a dose, you may skip it and continue with the regular dosage. Keeping a fair time interval between the two doses If it is time for the next dose, it is fine to skip the missed dosage of Minoxidil. In any case, do not take two doses together to even out the missed dose.
What if you overdose Minoxidil?
The minoxidil dosage must be carefully monitored. Take the dosage only as prescribed by the doctor. In the event of an overdose, rush to the nearest hospital.
What are the Storage Conditions for Minoxidil?
It must be stored at room temperature away from excessive heat, moisture, and sunlight. Minoxidil solutions and foams must be closed tightly and kept away from children and pets. Never flush it down the toilet or pour it down a drain. Read the instructions on the leaflet to carefully dispose of the medicine.
Can I take Minoxidil with other Medications?
Minoxidil can interact with guanethidine, disulfiram, and metronidazole. If you are taking any other medication that may increase your blood pressure, inform your doctor before taking Minoxidil with it. Minoxidil is also known as a blood pressure tablet. You can consult the doctor if it is necessary to take these or other prescribed medications with Minoxidil. The doctors can prescribe a safer alternative in this case.
How quickly will the Minoxidil show results?
For the treatment of hair loss, oral minoxidil may take up to 6–12 months to show results.
Comparison of Minoxidil with Redensyl
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Minoxidil
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Redensyl
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Uses
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Treat hair loss at the cellular level
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Forms Available
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Oral Tablet
Solutions
Foams
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Shampoo
Serum
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Result
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6-12 months or according to patient’s condition
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2-4 weeks
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FDA Approved
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Yes
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No
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Conclusion
Minoxidil is widely used to treat several conditions in its various forms. However, it must be noted that the exact mode of action of minoxidil is still not fully understood in a variety of cases. Although topical minoxidil is available without a doctor’s prescription, it is highly recommended that all the medications be used only after consulting with a physician.
References:
Disclaimer: The information provided here is not meant to substitute an advice from a healthcare professional. The information is not intended to cover all the possible uses, side-effects, precautions, and drug interactions. This information is not intended to suggest that using a specific drug is suitable, safe, or efficient for you or anyone else. The absence of any information or warning regarding the drug should not be interpreted as an implicit guarantee from the organisation. We strongly advise you to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about the drug and never use the medication without a doctor’s prescription.
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