mínoxidil FAQ

Minoxidil is safe for long-term use as long as a person never exceeds the recommended dosage. A person should keep a list of all prescription drugs, nonprescription medications, and supplements they are using and take this with them when they see a doctor or go to the hospital. It is important for a medical professional to know which medications a person is taking to ensure that there are no adverse drug interactions. Topical minoxidil is a treatment for hair loss in males and females. When a person uses this drug with finasteride, it can be up to 60% effective in preventing hair loss and encouraging new hair growth. Topical minoxidil does not require a prescription. However, a person should inform their doctor or pharmacist of any other prescription or nonprescription medications they are using before purchasing minoxidil. If a person experiences any side effects, they should stop using the drug immediately and speak with a medical professional.

A person should use minoxidil twice a day, usually with a 12-hour interval between applications. However, a person should follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that they are using the treatment correctly. It is fine to leave minoxidil on during the night. However, a person should ensure that the minoxidil is completely dry before going to bed to prevent the treatment from rubbing off onto the pillow.

The effectiveness of minoxidil may vary among individuals. Although minoxidil can slow down and prevent hair loss, the amount of hair regrowth will vary. Minoxidil is not a cure for hair loss. Once a person stops using this treatment, the body will most likely shed any new hair.

Topical minoxidil is commonly used for hair loss to regrow hair on the scalp. Topical minoxidil may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider. Minoxidil is also available in a form that is taken by mouth. See httpss://www.webmd.com/drugs/minoxidil-loniten for more information.

If you or someone else has used too much topical minoxidil, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical minoxidil is right for you. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following. Heart Disease. If you have heart disease, talk to your healthcare provider before you start using topical minoxidil. Pregnancy. Topical minoxidil may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Breastfeeding. Topical minoxidil may pass into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Topical minoxidil should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the medicine away from fire or flame. The foam preparations come in a can that is under pressure. Do not expose the cans to temperatures above 120 F (49 C).

The most common side effects of topical minoxidil are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There are no known interactions between topical minoxidil and foods or drinks. There are no known interactions between topical minoxidil and alcohol.

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any other medicine on your scalp. This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with topical minoxidil. Always check with your healthcare provider.

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical minoxidil are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical minoxidil may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical minoxidil and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical minoxidil.

Topical minoxidil is believed to work by increasing blood flow to your hair follicles and stimulating your hair follicles, which helps your hair grow.

Follow the instructions that come with topical minoxidil. Do not use more than what is instructed. Using more topical minoxidil or using it more often will not improve your results. Topical minoxidil may not work right away. Stop using topical minoxidil and call your healthcare provider if you do not see your hair regrow after four to six months. Keep topical minoxidil out of the reach of children. Topical minoxidil is only applied to the scalp. Do not apply topical minoxidil on other parts of your body. If you get topical minoxidil in your eyes, rinse your eyes with cool tap water. You may have changes in your hair color or hair texture while using topical minoxidil. Topical minoxidil is flammable. During application of this medicine and right afterwards, avoid fire, flames, or smoking. The foam products come in a can that is under pressure. Do not pierce, puncture, or burn the can.

Your doctor may ask you to check your pulse (heart rate) daily. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to teach you how to do this. Call your doctor if your heart rate increases by more than 20 beats per minute while at rest.

Minoxidil comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once or twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take minoxidil exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Minoxidil is used with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It is in a class of medications called vasodilators. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily through the body.

Your doctor may prescribe a low-salt or low-sodium diet. Follow these directions carefully.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.