Minoxidil
Minoxidil Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Minoxidil stimulates hair growth by increasing oxygen, blood and nutrients supply to the hair follicle by widening blood vessels and inhibiting androgen hormone to affect hair follicles.
Following topical application, an average of about 1.4% of the total applied dose is absorbed from the normal intact scalp. Topical Minoxidil absorption is increased by increasing the dose applied, increasing the frequency of dosing and decreasing the barrier function of the stratum corneum. Serum Minoxidil levels and systemic effects resulting from the administration of topical Minoxidil are governed by the drug’s absorption rate through the skin. Following cessation of topical dosing, approximately 95% of the systemically absorbed drug is eliminated within 4 days. Minoxidil and its metabolites are excreted principally in the urine.
Minoxidil is an orally effective direct acting peripheral vasodilator that reduces elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure by decreasing peripheral vascular resistance. Minoxidil is also used topically to treat androgenetic alopecia. Microcirculatory blood flow in animals is enhanced or maintained in all systemic vascular beds. In man, forearm and renal vascular resistance decline; forearm blood flow increases while renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate are preserved. The predominant site of minoxidil action is arterial. Venodilation does not occur with minoxidil; thus, postural hypotension is unusual with its administration. The antihypertensive activity of minoxidil is due to its sulphate metabolite, minoxidil sulfate.
| Trade Name | Minoxidil |
| Availability | Prescription only |
| Generic | Minoxidil |
| Minoxidil Other Names | Minossidile, Minoxidil, Minoxidilum |
| Related Drugs | amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide |
| Weight | 10mg, 2.5mg, 5%, 2% |
| Type | Oral Tablet, Topical Foam, Topical Solution |
| Formula | C9H15N5O |
| Weight | Average: 209.2483 Monoisotopic: 209.127660127 |
| Protein binding | Minoxidil does not bind to plasma proteins. |
| Groups | Approved, Investigational |
| Therapeutic Class | Other scalp preparations |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available Country | United States |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Minoxidil is used for the treatment of androgenic alopecia in males and females and stabilisation of hair loss in patients with androgenic alopecia, and also of alopecia areata.
Minoxidil is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Androgenetic Alopecia, Severe, symptomatic Hypertension
How Minoxidil works
Minoxidil is thought to promote the survival of human dermal papillary cells (DPCs) or hair cells by activating both extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt and by preventing cell death by increasing the ratio of BCl-2/Bax. Minoxidil may stimulate the growth of human hairs by prolonging anagen through these proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects on DPCs. Minoxidil, when used as a vasodilator, acts by opening adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells. This vasodilation may also improve the viability of hair cells or hair follicles.
Dosage
Minoxidil dosage
Minoxidil topical solution is for external use only and should be applied when the hair and scalp are clean and dry. Apply 1 ml (7 sprays) of Minoxidil topical solution twice daily at 12-hour intervals to the scalp, beginning at the centre of the affected area and spreading the solution out to cover the entire affected area. The total daily application dose should not exceed 2 ml.
For the best results, Minoxidil topical solution should be allowed to remain on the scalp for about 4 hours before washing. The night-time application should be done 2-4 hours before going to bed to allow the solution to dry out. Minoxidil topical solution should not be massaged into the scalp, but applied lightly. A hair dryer should not be used to speed up the drying of the solution as it may decrease the effectiveness. Minoxidil topical solution should not be mixed with any hair oil. The drug should not be used more than two times a day, or be taken orally or applied to any other part of the body to avoid the risk of adverse effects and unwanted hair growth. More frequent use or longer application time have no effect on hair growth. In case of missing any daily applications of Minoxidil topical solution, the patient should continue with the next application.
Hands should be washed immediately if Minoxidil topical solution is applied with the fingertips. Clinical experience with Minoxidil indicates that twice-daily applications for 4 months or more may be required before there is evidence of hair growth. To arresthair fall, Minoxidil topical solution should be used for not less than 45 days. Depending upon the severity of hair loss or type and extent of baldness, particular strength of Minoxidil topical solution may be selected.
Side Effects
Commonly encountered side effects in clinical trials with Minoxidil topical solution were minor dermatological reactions. Dermatitis or hypertrichosis may occur. These incidences may occur in 0.1–5% of patients.
Toxicity
Oral LD50 in rats has ranged from 1321-3492 mg/kg; in mice, 2456-2648 mg/kg. Side effects include cardiovascular effects associated with hypotension such as sudden weight gain, rapid heart beat, faintness or dizziness.
Precaution
Minoxidil topical solution is more likely to cause scalp irritation. If scalp irritation continues or worsen, use of Minoxidil topical solution should be stopped.
Interaction
Minoxidil topical solution should not be used along with other topical agents known to alter the stratum corneum barrier such as tretinoin or dithranol, due to the enhanced absorption of Minoxidil. Although there is no clinical evidence, there exists the theoretical possibility of absorbed Minoxidil potentiating orthostatic hypotension caused by peripheral vasodilators.
Food Interaction
- Take with or without food. The absorption is unaffected by food.
Minoxidil Drug Interaction
Unknown: aspirin, aspirin, nebivolol, carvedilol, rosuvastatin, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, insulin glargine, furosemide, atorvastatin, metoprolol, metoprolol, esomeprazole, amlodipine, clopidogrel, pantoprazole, levothyroxine, acetaminophen, cyanocobalamin, ascorbic acid, cholecalciferol
Minoxidil Disease Interaction
Major: fluid retention/congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, pheochromocytomaModerate: renal failure/dialysis
Elimination Route
Minoxidil is at least 90% absorbed from the GI tract in experimental animals and man.
Half Life
4.2 hours
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Minoxidil topical solution should not be used during pregnancy and lactation.
Contraindication
- Patients with cardiac abnormalities
- Children below 18 years of age
- Patients using occlusive dressings or other medicines on the scalp
- Patients with red, inflamed infection, or irritated or painful scalp (including psoriasis & sunburn)
Acute Overdose
Increased systemic absorption of Minoxidil may potentially occur if higher-than-recommended doses of Minoxidil are applied to larger surface areas of the body or areas other than the scalp. There are no known cases of Minoxidil overdosage resulting from topical administration of Minoxidil.
Signs and symptoms of Minoxidil overdosage would primarily be cardiovascular effects associated with sodium and water retention, and tachycardia. Fluid retention can be managed with appropriate diuretic therapy. Clinically significant tachycardia can be controlled by administration of a beta-adrenergic blocking agent.
Storage Condition
Store at a cool and dry place, protected from light. Keep out of the reach of the children.
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Minoxidil
Minoxidil contains Minoxidil see full prescribing information from innovator Minoxidil Monograph, Minoxidil MSDS, Minoxidil FDA label
FAQ
What is Minoxidil used for?
Minoxidil is a medication used for the treatment of high blood pressure and pattern hair loss in males and females. Minoxidil applied to the scalp is used to stimulate hair growth in adult men and women with a certain type of baldness.
How safe is Minoxidil?
This over-the-counter product is considered safe, but should be used with caution. Furthermore, Minoxidil is an orally active vasodilator for treatment of severe hypertension.
How does Minoxidil work?
works by shortening the telogen phase of your hair growth cycle and moving your hairs into the anagen.
What are the common side effects of Minoxidil?
Common side effects of Minoxidil are include:
- Irritation
- Eczema
- Abnormal hair growth on the body
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Application site redness
- Worsening of hair loss
- Burning
- Respiratory infections
- Tendinitis
- Back pain
- Fractures
- Sinusitis
- Fluid retention (edema)
- Anxiety
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Faintness
Is Minoxidil safe during pregnancy?
It is not known whether Minoxidil topical will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant. Minoxidil should be used during pregnancy only if the possible benefit outweighs the possible risk to the unborn baby.
Is Minoxidil safe during breastfeeding?
Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.
Can I drink alcohol with Minoxidil?
Minoxidil does not significantly react with alcohol use. However, alcohol can dry out the skin, which could irritate your scalp when using topical Minoxidil products.
When should be taken of Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a topical medication that you apply directly to your scalp. It's designed for use two times a day. Most people who use Minoxidil apply it once in the morning and once in the evening, typically a few hours before going to bed.
Can I take Minoxidil on an empty stomach?
Minoxidil may be taken with food or on an empty stomach.
How long can I take Minoxidil?
Most people need to use this medication regularly for 4 months to see benefit. This medication must be used continuously to maintain hair growth. If your condition does not improve or worsens after using this medication for 4 to 6 months.
Is Minoxidil bad for the heart?
Minoxidil can cause poor heart function or worsen existing heart problems.
How long does Minoxidil take to work?
Generally speaking, it takes about 8 weeks of consistent use to start to see results with Minoxidil. After 4 months of use, you should start to see the end of hair loss and start to see hair growth.
How long does Minoxidil stay in my system?
After an effective single oral dose, blood pressure usually starts to decline within one-half hour, reaches a minimum between 2 and 3 hours and recovers at an arithmetically linear rate of about 30%/day. The total duration of effect is approximately 75 hours.
What happens If I stop taking Minoxidil?
If you stop applying Minoxidil to your scalp, you'll gradually lose any hair that you've regrown as a result of the medication. Minoxidil is a well-studied medication that's safe to use for the long term.
Who should not take Minoxidil?
Do not use Minoxidil topical if the skin on your scalp is red, swollen, irritated, or infected.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of Minoxidil topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
Can Minoxidil affects my heart ?
Minoxidil can cause poor heart function or worsen existing heart problems.
Can Minoxidil affect my kidneys?
If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure.
Can Minoxidil affects my liver?
Minoxidil is metabolized by the liver, but has little effect on hepatic metabolism of other drugs. The reason for its lack of hepatotoxicity is not known.
Will Minoxidil affect my fertility?
There is accumulating evidence that it negatively impacts male fertility. You may instead use topical Minoxidil, which has no known negative effects on male fertility.
