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, Angina pectoris, Chest pain, Dizziness, Headache, Hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth), Nausea, Pericarditis, Rash, Dermatitis, Hypersensitivity, Weight gain, Fluid retention, Tachycardia, Angioedema (swelling of deeper layers of skin), Breathlessness, Dry skin, Skin exfoliation, Acne, Hair loss, Changes in hair texture, Pericardial effusion, Cardiac tamponade, Low blood platelets, Decreased white blood cell count (lymphocytes)
Available Medicine 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
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.