Minoxil: What is it? Uses, Application, Side Effects, Precautions, Contraindications and Interactions

It belongs to a class of medications known as vasodilators. Its active substance is Minoxidil. It is not known how Minoxidil causes hair growth.

This medication is not used for sudden hair loss in patches, unexplained hair loss (e.g., no family history of hair loss), or hair loss after delivery.

Applications

The solution and Minoxidil foam are used to help hair growth in treating male and female pattern baldness. It is not used for baldness on the front of the scalp or the hairline that recedes in men.

Foam and the 2 percent minoxidil solution also help hair growth in women with thin hair.

Do not use this product if you are 18 years old or younger.

Minoxidil application

Clean and dry the area of ​​the scalp before applying the medication.

You can apply it directly to wet hair. To use the solution, fill the applicator with 1 milliliter of medicine (in the 1-milliliter line), or use 20 drops.

 

Separate your hair in the thinning area and apply the solution evenly to the affected area of ​​the scalp. Rub gently.

Allow the solution to dry completely before using other designer products (e.g., gels, whipped cream) or before bedtime.

To use the foam:

  1. Rinse your hands with cold water and dry well.
  2. Apply approximately 1/2 foam plug to the scalp and rub gently.
  3. Allow the foam to dry completely before combing or going to bed.

If scalp irritation is a problem, you may need to avoid using Minoxidil on the same days your hair is dyed or chemically treated (for example, with permanent).

Avoid getting the medication in your eyes. If this occurs, rinse your eyes with large amounts of cold water.

This product may contain alcohol and may irritate and dry the scalp. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to use this product safely.

It takes time for the hair to grow back. Most people need to use this medication regularly for four months to see the benefit.

This medication must be used continuously to maintain hair growth. If your condition does not improve or worsen after using this medication for 4 to 6 months, or if you think you may have a severe medical problem, tell your doctor.

Side effects

It may cause burning, stinging, or redness at the application site

If these side effects do not go away or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

If your doctor has told you to use this medication, remember that he or she has determined that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Rarely can this medication be absorbed through the skin and cause side effects? Stop using this medication and tell your doctor immediately if you have serious side effects, including:

  • Unwanted facial or body hair.
  • Dizziness
  • Accelerated heartbeat.
  • Fainting.
  • Chest pain.
  • Swelling of the hands and feet
  • Unusual weight gain
  • Fatigue.
  • Difficulty breathing, especially when lying down.

Precautions

You must wash your hands well after applying it.

Before using Minoxidil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product:

Contraindications

During pregnancy, this product should be used only when necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. It is not known precisely if this medicine passes into breast milk.

Do not use it on other body parts unless directed by your doctor. Do not use this medication more often, do not apply it if more than directed, and do not apply it to an irritated or sunburned scalp. Doing so can cause the medication to be absorbed by the body and produce serious side effects.

Interactions

This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all your products (including over-the-counter and non-prescription medicines and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s approval.

Some products that may interact with this medicine include:

  • medications for high blood pressure.
  • Medications that interact with alcohol (for example, disulfiram and metronidazole).