Minoxidil 5

Minoxidil 5

Minoxidil 5 applied to the scalps stimulates hair growth not only in adult men but also in women having a certain type of baldness. If hair growth occurs with the use of this drug, it usually occurs after this drug is used for many and lasts only as long as this drug continues to be used. Within a few months of stopping this treatment, hair loss will start again.

Uses of Minoxidil 5 

• It helps hair to grow in the treatment of male pattern baldness.
• It is not used to treat baldness at the front of your scalp or receding hairline in men.
• Minoxidil 5 for women also helps hair growth in women having hair thinning.

Generic name of Minoxidil 5

 Minoxidil is the generic name of this drug.

How does this drug work?

It is a potassium channel opener. The vasodilation action of Minoxidil 5 expands the blood vessels. It promotes the flow of blood. Thus it decreases blood pressure for treating high blood pressure. The topical application of this drug on the scalp aids in increasing blood flow through the process of vasodilation.

This increased flow of blood provides more oxygen and nutrition to the hair follicle. It prevents the death of hair cells and enhances the new growth of hair. Thus it works and treats hair loss.

Dosage of this drug

The dosage of Minoxidil 5 will vary for different people. Follow all orders of your doctor or check the directions mentioned on the label.

• The amount of this drug that you need to take will depend on its strength.
• The number of dosages you use every day, the time allowed between dosages, and the length of time you use it depend on the medical issues for which you are using it.

How to take it?

• Clean and dry your scalp area before using this drug.
• You may apply it to your damp hair.
• For using the solution, fill your applicator with 1 ml of this drug.
• You can use 20 drops.
• Part the hair in the thinning area and evenly use this solution to the affected scalp area.
• Rub in gently.
• Let the solution completely dry before using other styling products like gels, or mousse or before you go to bed.
• Wash your hands in cold water and properly dry them before using the Minoxidil 5% foam.
• Apply almost half a capful of the foam to your scalp and gently rub it in.
• Let the foam completely dry before you style or go to bed.
• After application wash your hands.
• If irritation of the scalp is an issue, you may be required to avoid using this drug on the same day that you have colored your hair or treated it chemically.
• It may contain alcohol and can irritate and dry your scalp. So you must use it safely.
• Use Rogaine regularly for at least 4 months to see benefits. This drug must be applied continuously to maintain the growth of hair.
• If your condition does not get better or worsens after using it for 4-6 months, or if you think that you have a severe medical issue, inform your doctor.

What should you avoid while using it?

• Do not apply it directly anywhere other than the scalp area.
• Do not use it on other body parts unless told by your doctor.
• Do not use it on your skin that is painful, red, scraped, irritated, infected, or cut.
• Do not use it more frequently.
• Do not use more of this drug than prescribed.
• Do not apply it to any sunburned or irritated scalp.
• Avoid using shampoo on your hair for 4 hours after using it or use any hairdryer because it can lower the effectiveness of this drug.
• Do not let it tickle down onto the face because it may cause undesirable growth of facial hair.
• If Minoxidil 5 accidentally comes in contact with your nose, eyes, or mouth, thoroughly flush the area with cool water.
• You should not start, stop, or alter the dosage of this drug without asking your doctor.
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol.

When not to use this drug?

• Do not buy Minoxidil 5 online and use it for unexplained hair loss, hair loss after giving birth, or to treat sudden or patchy hair loss.
• If you are pregnant.
• If you are lactating.
• If your age is 18 years or below.
• If you are aged more than 65 years.

Tell your doctor if:

Missed dose:

• If you miss any dosage of Minoxidil 5, use it once you remember. You need to skip the missed dosage if it is already time for your next scheduled dosage. Continue with your regular dosage. Be careful and do not double the dosage to catch up.

Overdose:

• If you have overdosed and face serious symptoms like breathing trouble or passing out, call your doctor.
• Dizziness, fainting, drowsiness, and flushing are the symptoms of overdosage.

What are the benefits of this drug?

• Slow hair loss
• Prompts hair follicles to again produce hair
• Produces thicker hair
• Revitalizes circulation of blood in small blood vessels
• Lengthens the hair growth cycle’s anagen phase
• Shows results in almost 2 months for men and 4 months for women

Before you use Minoxidil 5, tell your doctor if:

• You are allergic to it.
• You have other allergies to foods, preservatives, or dyes.
• You have scalp diseases like infection, eczema, and cuts.
• You have heart problems like heart attack, chest pain, and heart failure.
• You have kidney or liver disease
• Do you have any other skin issues, irritation, or sunburn on your scalp? These may cause too much topical drug to be absorbed in your body increasing your chances of getting side effects.
• You have heart disease or high blood pressure. This drug may cause more severe problems for these people if they use more of it than recommended over a large area and if too much Minoxidil 5 is absorbed into their bodies.

Side effects of it:

If your doctor has asked you to use this drug, you must remember that he has judged that the benefit of using it is more than the risk of its side effects. A lot of people using this drug do not have any Minoxidil 5 side effects.

• Stinging, burning or redness may occur at the site of application. If any of these side effects last or become worse, promptly inform your doctor.

Rarely it can be absorbed through your skin and cause side effects. Stop using it and inform your doctor immediately if you have serious side effects such as:

• Dizziness, chest pain, fainting, and unusual weight gain.
• Unwanted facial or body hair
• Irregular heartbeat
• Tiredness
• Breathing difficulty

This drug will rarely cause a very severe allergic reaction. So immediately get medical help if you see any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as:

• Itching
• Rash
• Breathing issues
• Severe dizziness

Stop using it and inform your doctor if you face:

• Low blood pressure
• Scalp redness or irritation
• Continuous shedding of hair even after 2-3 weeks
• Swollen feet or hands

Interaction with other drugs:

Interaction of drugs may be changing how Minoxidil 5 works or increase your risk for severe side effects. Maintain a list of all the products you are using such as prescription and non-prescription drugs and any herbal products. Share it with your doctor.

A few products may interact with this drug such as:

• High blood pressure drugs like guanethidine
• Drugs interacting with alcohol like metronidazole and disulfiram.

How to store Minoxidil 5 %?

• Store it properly in a closed container at room temperature.
• Keep it away from heat.
• Do not let moisture touch it.
• Do not freeze it.
• The drug is flammable. Avoid any open flame after treatment until this drug has dried completely.
• Keep all drugs away from your kids or pets.
• Do not pour it into a drain unless your doctor instructs.
• Discard it properly when it has expired or you do not need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are minoxidil and Finasteride the same drugs?

No. They are two different drugs used in hair loss treatment. Minoxidil 5% is a topical solution and is used on the scalp. But Finasteride is available as a tablet and must be used one time daily. They are two separate drugs, but they come with the potential to work even more effectively when taken together.

Can I use it for beard growth?

No. You should not use it for beard growth. It is only indicated for the growth of hair scalp in people having a family history of hair loss.

I just started to use it. Why is hair shedding happening more than before?

There is nothing to worry about. This is because it is a good sign. When people first start to use high strength of this drug, they may find that for some time their hair begins shedding in a bit larger amounts than before. It is temporary and can affect men. The hair that you shed will be replaced by new and stronger hair.

I got a hair transplant. Can I use it now?

Yes. If you are medically suitable, you can use this drug after a hair transplant. Many doctors recommend following a full treatment course for male hair loss for at least six months before this type of surgery and then regularly after surgery once your scalp heals.

It is an aftercare and can help to prevent male pattern baldness in the original and untouched hairs surrounding your restored areas.