Hairgain

Minoxidil is indicated in 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 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 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.

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.

Minoxidil topical solution should not be used during pregnancy and lactation.

Minoxidil topical solution is more likely to cause scalp irritation. If scalp irritation continues or worsen, use of Minoxidil topical solution should be stopped.

Other scalp preparations

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.

Store at a cool and dry place, protected from light. Keep out of the reach of the children.