Uses of Minoxidil

Minoxidil is used to treat men and women with common hereditary hair loss (also called androgenetic alopecia on the scalp (head) also used to treat very high blood pressure (hypertension).

Therapeutic Category

Minoxidil: Vasodilators

How Minoxidil works

Oral:

When orally administered, Minoxidil helps to control high blood pressure, where minoxidil is a vasodilator that works by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can pass through them more easily thus resulting in lowering the blood pressure.

Topical:

When topical minoxidil shortens telogen (Resting phase), causing premature entry of resting hair follicles into anagen (Growing Phase). Minoxidil may also cause prolongation of anagen and increases hair follicle size.

Common side effects of Minoxidil

• increased heart rate, abnormal heart rhythm
• inflammation of the lining that surrounds the heart
• increase in hair growth, hair colour changes
• accumulation of fluid around the heart
• compression of the heart due to a buildup of fluid, fluid retention
• headache
• burning sensation
• excessive hair growth
• itching of skin, rash, hives (raised rashes)
• dry skin
• shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• continuous redness or irritation of the scalp
• continuous hair shedding even after 2-3 weeks
• sudden unexplained weight gain (common)
• sign of a severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips or throat with swallowing or breathing difficulties
• swollen hands or feet
• faintness or dizziness
• signs of fluid retention (puffy ankles or your rings get tight or put on weight)
• wheezing, breathless and tired (especially if you already have a weak heart)
• angina (chest pain)

Health Tips for Minoxidil

• Use minoxidil exactly as directed by your healthcare provider or as indicated on the product label. Follow the recommended dosage and application instructions to achieve the best results
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy or breast feeding
• After applying minoxidil, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the medication from accidentally coming into contact with other parts of your body