Minoxidil Tablets

Description

Minoxidil oral tablet is used to stimulate hair growth among men and women suffering from baldness and alopecia. It is also used to treat the symptoms of severe or refractory hypertension. It belongs to a class of drugs called Vasodilators. It works by strengthening hair follicles and slowing balding. It works on treating the hair you still have and strengthening it. A single tablet is usually recommended to be taken once per day, with or without food.

How Does Minoxidil Work?

Minoxidil is an effective drug for promoting hair growth. It focuses on vasodilation, which is the process of widening blood vessels. By widening the blood vessels, Minoxidil promotes better blood circulation to the hair follicles. This increased blood flow brings more nutrients and oxygen to the follicles, which can stimulate hair growth. This makes your hair grow thicker in size, giving you a fuller look.

In some cases of alopecia, hair follicles shrink and produce thinner, shorter hair strands. Minoxidil can help reverse this process, leading to the production of thicker hair.

Uses

• Treatment of hair loss or male pattern baldness
• Treatment of alopecia
• Treating symptoms of severe or refractory hypertension

Recommended Dose

To treat male pattern baldness or symptoms of severe or refractory hypertension, it is recommended to take a tablet once a day around the same time. Do not stop the medication without your doctor’s approval.

Minoxidil tablets are available in

• Minoxidil 5mg tablets
• Minoxidil 10mg tablets

Missed Dose

In case of a missed dose, take it as soon as you remember. Unless it is the time for your next dose, then skip it. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not use Minoxidil tablet more than once within a 24-hour window.

Overdose

Overdosing could lead to serious side effects. If you experience any of the side effects mentioned below, contact your doctor.

Minoxidil Tablets Side Effects

The most common side effects of Minoxidil include

• shedding
• scalp irritation
• chest pain
• rapid heart rate
• flushing
• low blood pressure
• ankle swelling
• fluid retention
• headaches

If any of the above-mentioned side effects persist for long, seek medical help immediately.

Safety Advise

Certain precautions should be taken while using Minoxidil tablets. Keep these in mind to reduce the risks of potential side effects.

• People allergic to Minoxidil or any of the other ingredients present in the drug should refrain from using this drug.
• Discuss your medical history in detail with a doctor or pharmacist to avoid any risks of side effects.
• Individuals suffering from lung disease, heart conditions, or kidney problems should seek medical advice before using this drug.
• This drug can make you dizzy, so be cautious while driving or doing activities that require a high level of attention.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use this drug unless prescribed by a doctor.

Medical Interactions

Drug interactions can alter the way a drug works or increase the risk of side effects. It is important to understand which medications your drug can interact with to minimize the risks. Talk to your doctor about your medical history. Here’s a list of drugs that interact with Minoxidil pills.

• Amphetamines
• Aspirin
• Alprazolam
• Corticosteroids
• Levothyroxine
• Acetaminophen
• Guanethidine

Substitutes

• Fincar 5 mg
• Finast 5 mg
• Finax 1 mg
• Finpecia 1 mg
• Dutasteride 0.5 mg

Storage

• Keep the medication tightly sealed in its container.
• Store it at room temperature and keep it away from direct sunlight.
• Keep it away from the reach of children and pets.

FAQ’s

1. How long does it take to see results with minoxidil for hair growth?

It varies from person to person, but you may start noticing results in as little as 2 to 4 months with consistent use. Full results may take up to a year.

2. Can I use minoxidil for beard growth?

Yes, some people use minoxidil to promote facial hair growth. However, it should be used cautiously, and you should consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

3. What are the potential side effects of using minoxidil on the scalp?

Common side effects include scalp irritation, itching, and dryness. Less common side effects can include dizziness and chest pain. Consult your doctor if you experience severe side effects.

4. Is it safe to use minoxidil for women experiencing hair loss?

Minoxidil is FDA-approved for women with hereditary hair loss. However, women should use a lower-strength formulation (usually 2%) and consult a healthcare professional.

5. Are there any specific instructions for applying minoxidil solution or foam?

Follow the instructions on the product label carefully. Typically, you apply minoxidil directly to the scalp, and it should be used consistently once or twice daily.

6. Can minoxidil cause hair loss?

No, Minoxidil does not cause hair loss. In fact, Minoxidil is commonly used to treat hair loss, specifically androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness).

7. Can minoxidil cause cancer?

There is currently no evidence to suggest that Minoxidil causes cancer. Minoxidil is primarily used to treat high blood pressure and promote hair growth.

8. Can minoxidil cause headaches?

Yes, Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine, can cause headaches as a side effect. Studies have reported that approximately 2 to 7 percent of women develop headaches after taking Minoxidil.

9. Will minoxidil regrow hair?

Yes, Minoxidil has been shown to regrow hair. It is the only topical drug approved by the FDA for this purpose. Minoxidil works by prolonging the growth phase of the hair follicles and increasing blood flow to the scalp, which can promote hair regrowth

References

• Suchonwanit P, Thammarucha S, Leerunyakul K. Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2019 Aug 9;13:2777-2786. doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S214907. Erratum in: Drug Des Devel Ther. 2020 Feb 10;14:575. PMID: 31496654; PMCID: PMC6691938. https://www.dovepress.com/minoxidil-and-its-use-in-hair-disorders-a-review-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-DDDT
• Randolph M, Tosti A. Oral minoxidil treatment for hair loss: A review of efficacy and safety. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021 Mar;84(3):737-746. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.06.1009. Epub 2020 Jul 2. PMID: 32622136. https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0190962220321095
• do Nascimento IJB, Harries M, Rocha VB, Thompson JY, Wong CH, Varkaneh HK, Guimarães NS, Rocha Arantes AJ, Marcolino MS. Effect of Oral Minoxidil for Alopecia: Systematic Review. Int J Trichology. 2020 Jul-Aug;12(4):147-155. doi: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_19_20. Epub 2020 Sep 19. PMID: 33376283; PMCID: PMC7759057. https://www.ijtrichology.com/article.asp?issn=0974-7753;year=2020;volume=12;issue=4;spage=147;epage=155;aulast=do
• Ramos PM, Sinclair RD, Kasprzak M, Miot HA. Minoxidil 1 mg oral versus minoxidil 5% topical solution for the treatment of female-pattern hair loss: A randomized clinical trial. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Jan;82(1):252-253. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.08.060. Epub 2019 Aug 29. PMID: 31473295. https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0190962219326660
• Keusch GW, Weidmann P, Campese V, Lee DB, Upham AT, Massry SG. Minoxidil therapy in refractory hypertension analysis of 155 patients. Nephron. 1978;21(1):1-15. doi: 10.1159/000181366. PMID: 351447. https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/181366

Written & Reviewed By

Dr. William Henderson

Want to know more?

Read our Editorial Policy