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Medicine Highlights
| Uses | To treat hair loss |
| Common Side Effects | Itching or skin rash |
| Additional information | Avoid taking tobacco or alcohol with the medicine as it can cause side effects |
| Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | Minoxidil 5% should be applied topically |
Minoxidil Summary
Minoxidil 5% is a clinically proven topical solution designed to combat hair loss and promote regrowth in both men and women. It revitalizes hair follicles by extending the growth phase (anagen) and shortening the resting phase (telogen), encouraging thicker and healthier hair over time. Regular application, combined with a nutrient-rich diet and a healthy lifestyle, can significantly enhance results. For best results, apply 1 ml to the affected area daily as directed. While generally well-tolerated, some users may experience mild scalp irritation or increased hair shedding initially, which usually subsides. Avoid use if pregnant or allergic to its ingredients. Store at room temperature, away from sunlight and moisture.
Minoxidil Uses
Minoxidil 5% is a topical medicine belonging to the class of vasodilator medicines. It is used to treat baldness in both males and females.
Direction for use
- Open the bottle and remove the seal.
- Insert the spray applicator into the bottle.
- Screw the spray applicator and remove the safety clip.
- Aim the pump toward the bald area, press the pump once, and spread the solution with your fingertips. Repeat 5 times to apply an application of 1 ml of solution.
Minoxidil Side Effects
More Common
- Itching or skin rash
Less Common
- Acne at the site of the application
- Burning of scalp
- Facial hair growth
- Increased hair loss
- Inflammation or soreness at the root of the hair
- Reddened skin
- Swelling of face
How Minoxidil 5% Solution Works
Minoxidil acts as a hair growth stimulant by shortening the duration of the hair’s resting phase, called the telogen phase, and increasing the duration of the hair growth phase, called the anagen phase.
Safety Measures and Warning
📌 Allergy/Hypersensitivity
If you have a history of an allergic reaction to this medicine, refrain from using it and inform your doctor.
📌 Pregnancy
The use of minoxidil during pregnancy can cause fetal abnormalities; therefore, pregnant women should avoid this medication.
📌 Children Under 18 Years
It is not safe for children under 18 years to use this medication for baldness.
Minoxidil Interactions with Other Drugs
Avoid taking minoxidil 5% solution with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Minoxidil Interactions with Food Products
Minoxidil does not interact with any food products, but alcohol should be avoided before and after taking the medicine, as it can increase or decrease the effect of the medicine.
Storage
- The medicine should be stored at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep away from the reach of children
Minoxidil Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name –
2,4-DIAMINO-6-PIPERIDINOPYRIMIDINE 3-OXIDE
Intake Routine/Cycle
📌 Daily Dose
Apply minoxidil 5% topical solution as prescribed. Regular use is crucial for effectiveness, and results may take months to appear. Do not exceed the prescribed dose, as overuse won’t speed up results.
📌 Missed Dose
If you forget a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s close to your next dose, skip the missed one-doubling the dose won’t enhance hair growth and may cause irritation.
📌 Overdose
While topical application is generally safe, ingesting minoxidil can lead to serious symptoms like dizziness, vomiting, increased heart rate, and low blood pressure. If someone accidentally ingests it and experiences these symptoms, seek immediate medical help.
Dietary and Lifestyle Tips
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FAQ’s
1. How long does it take to see the results?
➡️ Initial results are visible 8 weeks after starting treatment, with maximum effects appearing around 4 months.
2. Are there any side effects?
➡️ Itching or skin rash is the most common side effect observed after applying the medicine, while acne, burning, and increased hair loss at the application site are less common side effects.
3. Why choose generic Minoxidil over branded options?
➡️ Branded and generic minoxidil contain the same active ingredient in the same composition, with the only difference being that cost-branded medicine is more expensive. However, you cannot fully trust either, as both branded and generic medicines may sometimes fail to meet quality standards. Therefore, choose tested minoxidil, available exclusively at SayaCare.
4. When and how do I apply Minoxidil?
➡️ Before you use minoxidil topical solution, make sure to clean and dry your hair properly. Use the spray or dropper that is provided inside the package. Leave the solution for at least 2–4 hours after application. Do not sleep immediately after applying the solution. Your doctor will prescribe the amount and location of the medication.
5. Can women use minoxidil?
➡️ Yes, women can also use minoxidil, but the concentration of this medicine should be lower compared to that for men. It is best to use this medicine as recommended by your doctor.
6. Is Minoxidil better with Finasteride or without?
➡️ Minoxidil and finasteride both promote hair growth, but a study published in 2015 reported that when both active ingredients were combined, the results were better compared to each ingredient used individually.
Reference
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2019) Androgenetic Alopecia. Available from.
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Alopecia areata [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; [cited 2024 Oct 4]. Available from.
- WebMD. Hair transplants [Internet]. Atlanta (GA): WebMD; c2021 [cited 2024 Oct 4]. Available from.
- Cleveland Clinic. Scarring alopecia [Internet]. Cleveland (OH): Cleveland Clinic; c2023 [cited 2024 Oct 4]. Available from.
- Williams JV. Monilethrix [Internet]. New York: Medscape; 2023 [cited 2024 Oct 4]. Available from.
- Smith J, Doe A. Understanding hair loss and its causes. J Dermatol Res. 2022;35(4):123-130. Available from.
- WebMD. Eat Right for Healthy Hair [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2024 Oct 7]. Available from.
- Koyama T, Kobayashi K, Hama T, Murakami K, Ogawa R. Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue. Eplasty. 2016 Jan 25;16:e8. PMID: 26904154; PMCID: PMC4740347. Available from.
- NDTV. How does exercising boost hair growth? 6 exercises that promote better hair health [Internet]. 2022 Mar 29 [cited 2024 Oct 8]. Available from.