Minoxidil

Minoxidil was the first drug used for treating the hair loss of men and women. It is available in two forms – Oral minoxidil which is used to treat high blood pressure and the other is Topical solution which is used to treat baldness and hair loss. Earliar it was used as a vasodilator drug which was prescribed as an oral tablet and it had some side effects also such as reversal of male baldness and hair growth. It is known by different names like in U.S; it is called Rogaine and in New Zealand it is known as Regaine and recently topical minoxidil is referred to as Headway.

Oral minoxidil can lead to increase in heart rate, a fall in blood pressure and weight gain. Increasing absorption of minoxidil should be avoided as it can lead to some side effects. About one milliliter of minoxidil solution should be applied to the scalp or across the affected area once a day through the pump spray and fingertips and it is easily absorbed through the skin. In the treatment of high blood pressure, the dose for oral minoxidil should be 2.5-100mg per day for adults and 200mg-1mg per kg should be for the children.

Before taking topical minoxidil, following conditions should be considered and they are:-

• Children – This medicine should not be given to the children and infants below 18 years of age and should be consulted with the doctor.

• Other medicines – Certain medicines such as Petrolatum, Corticosteroids and Tretinoin should not be used while using topical minoxidil.

• Breast-feeding – Minoxidil is not considered during breast-feeding as it can cause some serious problems while passing to the breast milk.

• Allergies – If one is allergic to topical minoxidil or any other substances like dyes, preservatives then one should tell the health care professional.

This medicine should be used properly and as directed by the doctor. It should not be applied to other parts of the body as the absorption of this medicine can have adverse effects on the blood vessels and the heart and also causes unwanted effects. Overdose of this medicine should not be done. Minoxidil should not be used with the other skin products such as hair permanents, hair coloring etc and should not be applied before and after 24 hours.

To apply minoxidil solution, certain conditions should be considered:-

• Shampoo should not be used on hairs for about 4 hours after applying minoxidil.
• Before applying this medicine, hair and scalp should be dried.
• Hairdryer should not be used to dry the scalp after applying minoxidil.
• Hands should be washed off after applying this medicine.
• This medicine should be kept away from the eyes, mouth and nose.