Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Minoxidil

Minoxidil: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil belongs to the vasodilators (dilate blood vessels) class of drugs. It was initially developed as an oral antihypertensive agent, but the discovery of its common side effect hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth) led to the development of a topical (applied on the skin) solution for hair loss in men and women. Topical Minoxidil is available with brand names such as Regaine, Tugain, Mintop solution, etc. It is indicated for the treatment of alopecia (hair loss).

What are the uses of Minoxidil?

Oral Minoxidil is used for the treatment of severe hypertension. Topical Minoxidil, approved by the FDA, is indicated for androgenetic alopecia and female pattern hair loss. However, it is also used as an off-label drug for various hair disorders:

  • Alopecia areata.
  • Eyebrow enhancement.
  • Beard enhancement.
  • Chemotherapy-induced alopecia.
  • Frontal fibrosing alopecia.
  • Scarring alopecia.

Children below 18-years or people above 65-years should not use this medicine without proper medical consultation.

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    What are the side effects of Minoxidil?

    Topical Minoxidil is safe as compared to oral Minoxidil. However, it shows a few side effects, such as

    • Itching.
    • Scaling.
    • Irritation.
    • Chest pain or palpitation.
    • Tendinitis.
    • Dizziness.
    • Scalp dryness.
    • Allergic contact dermatitis.
    • Hair growth in undesirable areas.

    Oral Minoxidil has serious side effects such as

    • Sodium and fluid retention.
    • Ischemic heart disease.
    • Pulmonary hypertension.
    • Congestive heart failure.

    If you experience any of the side effects, consult your doctor. Further, you can contact our medical experts to get opinions about Minoxidil’s safe uses and benefits and managing its side effects.

    What is Minoxidil

    Uses of Minoxidil

    Side effects of Minoxidil

    References

    1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482378/
    2. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2006/021812s000_PharmR.pdf
    3. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00350
    4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/Minoxidil

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Minoxidil

    Minoxidil comes under the vasodilator class of drugs. On topical application, it acts on the potassium channels of hair follicles that may stimulate or increase microcirculation around the hair follicles. This increases blood flow, provides oxygen and nutrition to the hair follicles, leading to new hair growth.

    Yes, Minoxidil, when used topically, regrows hairs. Various topical formulations of different concentrations (solution- 2% and 5%, foam- 5%) are available and approved by the FDA. When regularly used under a doctor's advice, Minoxidil topical solution and foam help treat pattern hair loss in men and women.

    Minoxidil solution is applied on the dry scalp twice daily for baldness. Fill the dropper with 1 ml solution, put 5 -6 drops along the hairline and then massage with fingers. Do not wet or shampoo your hair at least for four hours after application. Consult a doctor for the correct use for your specific treatment.

    Minoxidil is a topical medication that needs to be applied to the scalp. Apply the Minoxidil solution evenly on the affected area in a dose of 1 ml. After application with a dropper:
    1. Rub it with your hands.
    2. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water.
    3. Let it be on the scalp for at least 4 hours.

    Minoxidil helps grow hair both in men and women. However, it causes some hair loss initially, called Minoxidil shedding. It accelerates thin hair falling so that new, healthier hair can replace them. Minoxidil shedding occurs at the beginning only and ends in the first few months. You can contact our medical consultant to know about a suitable product for your hair problems.

    For alopecia in men, apply 1 ml of 5% Minoxidil topical solution twice daily or half-a-capful of 5% Minoxidil foam on a clean and dry scalp. For women, apply 1 ml of 2% Minoxidil solution twice daily and half-a-capful of 5% Minoxidil foam once daily. Further, you can consult our medical experts to get the best opinion related to the use of Minoxidil.

    No, Minoxidil is not a steroid. It is a vasodilator class of drug that dilates blood vessels and helps grow new hair. It is available in the market as a topical solution and topical foam formulations. It must be used after medical consultation with a dermatologist. Further, you can contact our consultants to get an expert opinion about Minoxidil's uses and benefits.

    Minoxidil has some side effects like other medications. It may cause weight gain due to water retention in the body. Doctors prescribe other medicines along with oral Minoxidil (for hypertension) to prevent water retention. If you experience any side effects, contact your doctor.

    Regularly use Minoxidil to maintain hair growth. Initial results will show after approximately 8-weeks, and maximum effect occurs after 4-months. It is safe for long-term use, and you will start losing regrown hair if you stop taking this medicine. So, it needs to be taken indefinitely with appropriate medical consultation.

    Minoxidil is a vasodilator that increases the blood flow in arteries and causes vasodilation. When taken orally, it is used to treat hypertension. When applied topically on the scalp, it acts as a hair growth stimulator and helps grow new hair in men and women suffering from alopecia.
    S.no Product Name Dosage Form
    1. Regaine Minoxidil 5% Solution
    2. Mintop Forte Minoxidil 50mg Solution
    3. Tugain Minoxidil 5% Solution
    4. Minichek Minoxidil 5% Solution