Minoxidil

In the late 1970s, the American drugs company Upjohn's whose drug minoxidil, which was being used as an internal medication to treat severe blood pressure, was accidentally found to have some bizarre side effects such as the ability to reverse or slow down the balding process.

If administered externally as a lotion directly to a " bald spot" at the back of the head that still had "peach fuzz" hairs remaining, a 2% solution of minoxidil was shown to be able to start the hairs growing longer and becoming thicker again in a small percentage of men. Now also available in 5% strength.

Brand Names

Category

• Hair growth stimulant, alopecia androgenetica, topical

Description

Minoxidil  applied to the scalp is used to stimulate hair growth in adult men and women with a certain type of baldness. The exact way that this medicine works is not known.

If hair growth is going to occur with the use of minoxidil, it usually occurs after the medicine has been used for several months and lasts only as long as the medicine continues to be used. Hair loss will begin again within a few months after minoxidil treatment is stopped.

Other medical problems--

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of topical minoxidil. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Any other skin problems or an irritation or a sunburn on the scalp--The condition may cause too much topical minoxidil to be absorbed into the body and may increase the chance of side effects
  

• Heart disease.
  
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)--Topical minoxidil has not been studied in patients who have these conditions, but more serious problems may develop for these patients if they use more medicine than is recommended over a large area and too much minoxidil is absorbed into the body

To apply minoxidil solution:

• Make sure your hair and scalp are completely dry before applying this medicine.
  
• Apply the amount prescribed to the area of the scalp being treated, beginning in the center of the area. Follow your doctor's instructions on how to apply the solution, using the applicator provided.
  
• Do not shampoo your hair for 4 hours after applying minoxidil.
  
• Immediately after using this medicine, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
  
• Do not use a hairdryer to dry the scalp after you apply minoxidil solution. Blowing with a hairdryer on the scalp may make the treatment less effective.
  
• Allow the minoxidil to completely dry for 2 to 4 hours after applying it, including before going to bed. Minoxidil can stain clothing, hats, or bed linen if your hair or scalp is not fully dry after using the medicine.
  
• Avoid transferring the medicine while wet to other parts of the body. This can occur if the medicine gets on your pillowcase or bed linens or if your hands are not washed after applying minoxidil.