Minoxidil

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a drug that belongs to the class of drugs called vasodilators. Vasodilators are drugs that widen and thus relax the blood vessels, causing fluid to flow more easily through them. It was initially used to treat elevated blood pressure, but its uses have increased with time.

The usage of Minoxidil as a vasodilator caused one significant side effect called Hypertrichosis. Hypertrichosis causes excessive hair to grow anywhere in the body of males and females. This led to the usage of topical Minoxidil to treat male pattern baldness and hair growth.

What are the uses of Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is used to control blood pressure. Minoxidil is available in oral form as a tablet and also available as topical creams and foams over the counter. Minoxidil has the following uses:

• Topical minoxidil is indicated to be used for androgenetic alopecia and is approved by the FDA. It may also be used off-label for the treatment of other hair loss-related conditions like alopecia areata, beard enhancement, chemotherapy-induced alopecia, eyebrow enhancement, frontal fibrosing alopecia, and scarring alopecia.

• Minoxidil solution and foam are used to treat male pattern baldness. 2% Minoxidil solution can be beneficial to treat hair thinning in women.

• Oral Minoxidil tablets can be prescribed by a doctor to treat hypertension or high blood pressure as it relaxes the blood vessels and lowers the blood pressure.

How and when to take Minoxidil?

Oral Minoxidil tablets

Oral minoxidil tablets should only be used when prescribed by a doctor. Minoxidil tablets can be taken with or without a meal as directed by the physician. The tablets can be swallowed with water. Doctors usually prescribe one or two doses per day. It is better if the tablets are taken at around the same time every day.

Topical Minoxidil

Minoxidil is available in the form of a solution or foam. It can be applied directly to the scalp to promote hair growth in men and women. Apply the dosage as prescribed by the physician to the affected area once or twice a day.

How to use minoxidil?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use minoxidil for hair growth:

• Prepare Your Scalp: Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and gently pat dry with a towel. Ensure your scalp is completely dry before applying minoxidil.
• Part Your Hair: Use a comb or your fingers to part your hair to expose the areas of the scalp where you want to apply minoxidil.
• Apply Minoxidil: Use the applicator provided or a dropper to apply the recommended amount of minoxidil solution or foam directly onto the scalp in the areas of hair thinning or loss. The typical dose is 1 mL applied twice daily (morning and evening).
• Massage Into Scalp: Gently massage the minoxidil into your scalp using your fingertips. Make sure to spread the solution evenly over the targeted areas.
• Allow to Dry: Let the minoxidil completely air dry before styling your hair or going to bed. Avoid using a hairdryer to speed up the drying process.
• Do Not Wash or Wet Hair Immediately: Do not wash your hair or scalp for at least 4 hours after applying minoxidil. This allows the medication to be absorbed properly into the scalp.
• Apply Twice Daily: Minoxidil is most effective when applied twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. Consistency is key to seeing results.
• Be Patient: Hair regrowth with minoxidil may take several months of continuous use. Results vary from person to person, so be patient and continue using as directed.
• Avoid Contact with Eyes and Other Areas: Take care to avoid getting minoxidil into your eyes, mouth, or other sensitive areas. If accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
• Monitor for Side Effects: Watch for any signs of scalp irritation, redness, or itching. If you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider.
• Continue Use as Directed: To maintain hair growth, continue using minoxidil regularly as recommended by your healthcare provider or the product instructions.

What are the side effects of Minoxidil?

All medications may have certain side effects. The Minoxidil side effects include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Fainting
• Fast Heartbeat
• Growth or darkening of fine body hair
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in the ankles/feet
• Tiredness
• Unusual/sudden weight gain

 Typical foams and solutions can have the following side effects:

• Burning
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing, especially when lying down
• Dizziness
• Itching
• Fainting
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Redness
• Swelling of hands and feet
• Tiredness
• Unusual weight gain
• Unwanted facial or body hair

Although rare, serious side effects of oral minoxidil have been reported, like congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, and sodium and fluid retention, a serious allergic reaction to minoxidil is rare. However, if a serious allergic reaction occurs or any other side effects persist, contact your doctor immediately.

How does minoxidil work to stimulate hair growth?

Minoxidil works to stimulate hair growth in the following ways:

• Widening Blood Vessels (Vasodilation): Minoxidil opens up blood vessels in the scalp, improving blood flow to the hair follicles. This brings more oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors to the follicles, which are essential for healthy hair growth.
• Enhancing Blood Circulation: By increasing blood flow to the scalp, minoxidil creates a better environment for hair follicles to grow. Improved circulation nourishes the follicles and supports their growth cycle.
• Opening Potassium Channels: Minoxidil opens specific channels in hair follicle cells, affecting cell membranes. This process can contribute to increased hair growth activity.
• Prolonging the Hair Growth Phase (Anagen Phase): Minoxidil helps extend the active growth phase of the hair follicle cycle. This means hair stays in the growing phase longer, leading to longer and thicker hair strands over time.
• Stimulating Dermal Papilla Cells: Minoxidil can stimulate dermal papilla cells, which are important for hair follicle development and growth. This stimulation helps initiate and maintain hair growth.
• Reviving Hair Follicle Function: In conditions like androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness), hair follicles may shrink or become inactive. Minoxidil can help revive these follicles, leading to the growth of thicker and stronger hair.

Minoxidil warnings

Minoxidil has the potential to trigger a strong allergic response. Symptoms include:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Swelling in the throat or tongue
• Development of hives.

What are the precautions to be taken while using Minoxidil?

Keep the following pointers in mind when taking Minoxidil:

• Read the leaflet carefully before using the medication.
• Only use minoxidil on the advice of a doctor.
• Inform the doctor of any preexisting allergies or health conditions.
• Follow the dosage prescribed by the doctor.
• Pregnant and/or breastfeeding women must discuss with their physician if they have been prescribed Minoxidil to treat a specific condition.
• There is currently no study or information about how minoxidil promotes hair growth. Hence, it should not be used to treat sudden loss of a hair patch or postpartum hair loss.
• People younger than 18 years and older than 65 years must talk about the risks and benefits with their doctor if they have been prescribed Minoxidil.

What if you miss a dose of Minoxidil?

If you miss a dose, you may skip it and continue with the regular dosage. Keeping a fair time interval between the two doses If it is time for the next dose, it is fine to skip the missed dosage of Minoxidil. In any case, do not take two doses together to even out the missed dose.

What if you overdose on Minoxidil?

The minoxidil dosage must be carefully monitored. Take the dosage only as prescribed by the doctor. In the event of an overdose, rush to the nearest hospital.

What are the storage conditions for Minoxidil?

It must be stored at room temperature away from excessive heat, moisture, and sunlight. Minoxidil solutions and foams must be closed tightly and kept away from children and pets. Never flush it down the toilet or pour it down a drain. Read the instructions on the leaflet to carefully dispose of the medicine.

Warnings and considerations before using minoxidil

Before using minoxidil for hair growth, it's important to be aware of several warnings and considerations:

• Consultation with a Healthcare Professional: Before starting minoxidil treatment, consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. They can assess your specific situation and recommend the appropriate treatment.
• Understand the Cause of Hair Loss: Minoxidil is most effective for certain types of hair loss, such as male and female pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). It may not be suitable for hair loss caused by other factors like nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or medical conditions. Understanding the underlying cause of your hair loss is important for choosing the right treatment.
• Application Instructions: Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or on the medication label for applying minoxidil. Typically, it is applied to the scalp once or twice daily. Use only the recommended amount and avoid applying it to other parts of the body.
• Consistent Use and Patience: Minoxidil requires consistent and long-term use to see results. Hair growth may not be noticeable for several months, and continued use is necessary to maintain results. Be patient and follow the treatment regimen as directed.
• Potential Side Effects: Common side effects of minoxidil include scalp irritation, dryness, itching, and flaking. In some cases, it may cause unwanted hair growth in areas outside the scalp. Less common but serious side effects may include dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and chest pain. Stop using minoxidil and seek medical attention if you experience severe side effects.

Can I take Minoxidil with other medications?

Minoxidil can interact with guanethidine, disulfiram, and metronidazole. If you are taking any other medication that may increase your blood pressure, inform your doctor before taking Minoxidil with it. Minoxidil is also known as a blood pressure tablet. You can consult the doctor if it is necessary to take these or other prescribed medications with Minoxidil. The doctors can prescribe a safer alternative in this case.

Dosage for Minoxidil

For topical solution (2% or 5%):

• Apply 1 mL of the solution to the affected areas of the scalp twice daily.
• The total daily dose should not exceed 2 mL regardless of the concentration used.

How quickly will the Minoxidil show results? 

For the treatment of hair loss, oral minoxidil may take up to 6–12 months to show results.

Minoxidil vs Redensyl

Conclusion

Minoxidil is widely used to treat several conditions in its various forms. However, it must be noted that the exact mode of action of minoxidil is still not fully understood in a variety of cases. Although topical minoxidil is available without a doctor’s prescription, it is highly recommended that all the medications be used only after consulting with a physician.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6691938/ https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-3503/minoxidil-topical/details https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/minoxidil-topical-route/side-effects/drg-20068750?p=1 https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a689003.html