Minoxidil

Minoxidil is primarily used in the treatment of hair growth and male pattern baldness. It doesn't affect receding hairline and baldness at the front part of the scalp. About 2 percent of this medication is used in women who have the problem with thinning hair. It needs to be applied topically on the skin.

It falls under the category of drugs known as vasodilators. Thus when taken orally, it is also used as an antihypertensive and even prescribed to treat patients with high blood pressure.

Before using this Minoxidil you should notify your doctor if you have or are:

• Allergic to it or any other drugs, foods or substances.
• Taking any prescription or non-prescription drugs, herbal medications or dietary supplements.
• Pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding a baby.
• Involved in activities that cause extreme sunlight exposure. It may bring about skin sensitivity.
• Heart, kidney, liver or any scalp related diseases.

This medication is sold as both prescription or non-prescription medicine for the treatment of alopecia. It is also available in both tablet and liquid form. Application entails you to apply it on your scalp twice a day.

You should apply it as much as it is prescribed by your doctor or as written on the label. Visible results will only start to show after at least four months of usage.

Symptoms of overdose include hypotension, tachycardia, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness syncope, warm flushed skin and palpitations; lethargy and ataxia may occur in children.

Hypotension usually responds to I.V. fluids, Trendelenburg positioning or vasoconstrictor; treatment is primarily supportive and symptomatic. Topical product must be used every day. Hair growth usually takes 4 months.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

• Alopecia

• Hypertension

  Management of severe hypertension (usually in combination with a diuretic and beta-blocker)

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

• Allergy

• Pheochromocytoma

• Psoriasis

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

• Irregular Heart Beat

• Weight Gain

• Chest Pain

• Shortness Of Breath

• Redness Of Skin

• Swelling Of Feet Or Lower Legs

• Tingling Of Hands And Feet

• Eye Irritation

• Increase Hair Growth On Face

• Breast Tenderness

• Headache

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

• How long is the duration of effect?

  The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 1 to 5 days.

• What is the onset of action?

  The effect of this medicine can be observed in 1 hour after an oral dose and 4 to 5 hours after topical application.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women.

• Is it habit forming?

  No habit forming tendencies were reported.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  This medicine is known to excreted through breast milk. This medicine is not recommended for breastfeeding women.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  Avoid drinking alcohol. Consumption of alcohol is not recommended.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  This medication may affect the consciousness of the patient. Avoid driving or using any heavy operating machine.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  This medicine is found to be safe to use in patients with renal impairment. Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

• Does this affect liver function?

  Limited information is available regarding its use in patient with liver disease. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medication.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

• Missed Dose instructions

  The missed dose should be taken as soon possible. It is advisable to skip the missed dose if it's already time for your next scheduled dose.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of overdose.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

• India

• United States

• Japan

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Minoxidil as ingredient

• Mx -10 Solution

  Maneesh Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Minotress 5% Lotion

  Prism Lifescience

• Hairbless Solution

  Mankind Pharma Ltd

• Morr 3% Solution

  Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Curlz F 5% Lotion

  Canixa Life Sciences Pvt

• Lonitab 10 MG Tablet

  Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Grewit 5% Solution

  Kivi Labs Ltd

• Mx-10 10% Solution

  Maneesh Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Morr 10% Solution

  Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Mintop 2% Lotion

  Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

This medication is a vasodilator. It works by opening the potassium channels, causes hyperpolarization and dilation of arterioles. This effect will relax the smooth muscle and reduces peripheral vascular resistance, thus reduces the blood pressure. It stimulates the hair growth by prolonging the anagen phase of the hair growth by promoting the survival of human dermal papillary cells (DPCs)

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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• Interaction with Alcohol

  Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

• Interaction with Medicine

  Alprazolam

  These medications may lower the blood pressure if taken together. Inform the doctor if you are receiving any central nervous system medication. Dose adjustments are to be made based on the clinical condition.

  Corticosteroids

  Corticosteroids like cortisone, dexamethasone, and prednisolone may reduce the effect of this medication. Inform the doctor if you are receiving any of these medications and report if any symptoms of uncontrolled blood pressure. Dose adjustments are to be made based on the clinical condition.

  Guanethidine

  These medications are not recommended together due to the risk of lowering the blood pressure. Any symptoms of change in the blood pressure should be informed to the doctor.

• Interaction with Food

  Avoid natural licorice (causes sodium and water retention and increases potassium loss).

• Interaction with Disease

  • Maximum therapeutic doses of a diuretic and two antihypertensives should be used before this drug is ever added. It can cause pericardial effusion, tamponade, or exacerbate angina pectoris.
  • Monitor patients who are receiving guanethidine concurrently (orthostasis can be problematic). May need to add a diuretic to minimize fluid gain and a beta-blocker (if no contraindications) to treat tachycardia.
  • Rapid control of blood pressure can lead to syncope, CVA, MI, ischemia.
  • Hypersensitivity reactions occur rarely.
  • Avoid use for a month after acute MI.
  • Inform patients of hair growth patterns before initiating therapy.
  • May take 1-6 months for hypertrichosis to reverse itself after discontinuation of the drug.
  • Use with caution in patients with pulmonary hypertension, significant renal failure, CHF, or ischemic disease.
  • Renal failure and dialysis patients may require a smaller dose.

• Ques : What is Minoxidil?

  Ans : This medication is used in the treatment of hair growth, male pattern baldness and hypertension.

• Ques : How long do I need to use Minoxidil before I see improvement in my condition?

  Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.

• Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Minoxidil?

  Ans : This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.

• Ques : Should I use Minoxidil empty stomach, before food or after food?

  Ans : This medication can be taken before and after food in a prescribed dosage.

• Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Minoxidil?

  Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.

• Ques : Can Minoxidil cause hair loss?

  Ans : Yes, it may cause hair loss. But, if it persists for more than 2 weeks, you should stop using Minoxidil and contact your doctor.

• Ques : Is Minoxidil safe to use?

  Ans : Yes, this drug is safe if you use it as directed by your doctor. For best results, read all the directions before using it and follow them carefully.

• Ques : Is the hair growth by Minoxidil treatment permanent?

  Ans : It is advised to continue applying this medication for continued hair growth. If you stop using this drug, the regrown hair may disappear after 3-4 months and balding or hair loss may restart.

• Ques : Can Minoxidil cause weight gain?

  Ans : Yes, this drug can cause your weight to increase. Exercise regularly and take a balanced diet that includes whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and fat-free products to manage your weight. You may also consult with a dietician to get a diet plan that suits you best.

• Ques : How long does it take to see results with Minoxidil?

  Ans : Since hair growth is a slow process, it may take some time before you see new hair growth after starting the treatment with Minoxidil. You need to use Minoxidil for 4 months to see its effects.

• Ques : Is Minoxidil safe to use on the face?

  Ans : No, you are advised not to apply this medication to any other body areas other than the scalp.

• Ques : Do I need to wash my hair every day when using Minoxidil?

  Ans : No, it is not required to shampoo your hair every day before applying this drug.

• Ques : How often should Minoxidil be applied?

  Ans : The general recommendation is that it should be used twice daily. Follow your doctor's instructions and take it in the dose and duration advised by your doctor.

• Minoxidil- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [Cited 10 December 2019]. Available from:

  https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/minoxidil

• Minoxidil- DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2019 [Cited 10 December 2019]. Available from:

  https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00350

• Regaine for Men Extra Strength- EMC [Internet] medicines.org.uk. 2018 [Cited 10 December 2019]. Available from:

  https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/103/smpc