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Originally Minoxidil (which is applied to the skin) was marketed in a tablet
form for the treatment of high blood pressure. Unwanted hair growth was one of
the side effects of this treatment. This side effect resulted in researchers
producing a topical solution for treating hair loss. Topical Minoxidil
(Rogaine™) has been shown to stimulate hair growth on the crowns of men's heads.
In women, Rogaine™ can increase hair growth in the forehead area.
Minoxidil solution is used in the treatment of male pattern alopecia in men,
and female pattern alopecia in women. It is occasionally useful for other forms
of alopecia, including alopecia areata.
Minoxidil is in a class of drugs called hair growth stimulants. Trade names
of minoxidil solution in New Zealand are Regaine™ and Headway™. It is available
in a 2% and a 5% solution.
Rogaine™ has to be applied on the scalp at least twice daily and for at least
four months to see results. It doesn't work as well in older patients, people
with larger areas of baldness, or people that have been bald for longer periods
of time. Rogaine™ should be applied to a normal dry scalp only and left in
place. It is for external use only and for use by men only. Apply 1ml with
dropper or sprayer (6 sprays) 2 times a day directly onto the scalp in the hair
loss area. Using it more often will not improve results. Do not apply on other
parts of the body.
Minoxidil (Rogain) normally induces new hair growth between 4 and 6 months of
use. If it has not worked by 6 months it is probably not going to. It appears to
begin slowing the hair loss process almost immediately but - there are no
guarantees. You simply have to try it to see.
What special precautions should I follow? Before using minoxidil, tell
your doctor and/or pharmacist
 if you are
allergic to minoxidil or any other drugs.
what prescription
and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially guanethidine
(Ismelin), other medications for high blood pressure, and vitamins.
tell your doctor
if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, liver, or scalp disease.
tell your doctor
if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you
become pregnant while using minoxidil, call your doctor.
plan to avoid
unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing,
sunglasses, and sunscreen. Minoxidil may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
What should I do if I forget a dose? Skip the missed dose and continue
your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed
one.
What are the side effects?
Although side effects from
minoxidil are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these
symptoms are severe or do not go away:
scalp itching
dryness
scaling
Flaking
Irritation
burning
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call
your doctor immediately:
weight gain
swelling of the
face, ankles, hands, or stomach
difficulty
breathing (especially when lying down)
rapid heartbeat
chest pain
lightheadedness
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