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Minoxidil
INFORMATION ABOUT MINOXIDIL
Minoxidil Uses
Minoxidil is used in the treatment of Hypertension (high blood pressure), hair loss and Heart Failure. 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
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Itching, Chest pain, Headache, Hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth), Rash, Dermatitis, Hypersensitivity, Weight gain, Fluid retention, Tachycardia
CONTENT DETAILS
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Written By
Dr. Lipika Khurana
PGDHHM, BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Lalit Kanodia
MBA, MD Pharmacology
Last updated
08 Nov 2024 | 05:34 AM (UTC)
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Medicine brands for Minoxidil
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.