Minoxidil

Information about Minoxidil

Minoxidil Uses

Minoxidil is used in the treatment of Hair loss. It is most effective in treating hereditary hair loss or thinning at the top of the scalp, not in front. Rarely, it may be used to treat high blood pressure.

How Minoxidil works

Minoxidil is a potassium channel opener. Its vasodilation action expands the blood vessels to promote blood flow, thereby decreasing blood pressure to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). The topical application of Minoxidil on your scalp helps in increasing blood flow through the vasodilation process. This increased blood flow provides more nutrition and oxygen to the hair follicle, which prevents hair cell death and also enhances new hair growth. This is how it works to treat your hair loss (alopecia).

Common side effects of Minoxidil

Itching, Chest pain, Headache, Hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth), Rash, Dermatitis, Hypersensitivity, Weight gain, Fluid retention, Tachycardia
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Shreya Gupta
MDS (Oral Pathology & Microbiology), BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Lalit Kanodia
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
30 Jan 2023 | 01:34 PM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Minoxidil

MintopDr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd
₹256 to ₹228414 variant(s)
MorrIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹295 to ₹124010 variant(s)
RegaineJanssen Pharmaceuticals
₹510 to ₹23003 variant(s)
KeraIpca Laboratories Ltd
₹690 to ₹13604 variant(s)
MinopepIndiabulls pharmaceutical ltd
₹550 to ₹10986 variant(s)
LonitabIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹199 to ₹6943 variant(s)
MinoqilibGalderma India Pvt Ltd
₹11351 variant(s)
ManexilDabur India Ltd
₹520 to ₹5852 variant(s)
MinokemAlkem Laboratories Ltd
₹289 to ₹9573 variant(s)
ChekfallMankind Pharma Ltd
₹841 to ₹10492 variant(s)

Expert advice for Minoxidil

  • Wash your hands before and after application.
  • It should only be applied directly to the scalp area. If Minoxidil accidentally comes in contact with your eyes, nose or mouth, flush the area thoroughly with cool tap water.
  • Do not shampoo your hair for 4 hours after applying Minoxidil or use hairdryer as it can reduce the effectiveness of the medicine.
  • During the first 2 weeks of application, your hair fall may increase. This is normal and is a sign that Minoxidil is working.
  • Take care that Minoxidil does not trickle down onto your face as it may cause undesirable facial hair growth.

Frequently asked questions for Minoxidil

Minoxidil

Q. Is the hair growth by Minoxidil treatment permanent?

You have to continue applying Minoxidil for continued hair growth. If you stop using Minoxidil, the regrown hair may disappear after 3-4 months and balding or hair loss may restart.

Q. How long does it take to see results with Minoxidil?

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.

Q. Do I need to wash my hair every day when using Minoxidil?

No, it is not required to shampoo your hair every day before applying Minoxidil. However, if you shampoo your hair, make sure your scalp is dry before using Minoxidil.

Q. How often should Minoxidil be applied?

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

Q. Can Minoxidil be used for beard growth?

No, Minoxidil should not be used for beard growth. It is indicated only for growth of hair on scalp in patients with a family history of hair loss.

Q. Can Minoxidil be used for beard growth?

No, Minoxidil should not be used for beard growth. It is indicated only for growth of hair on scalp in patients with a family history of hair loss.

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