ABOUT MINOXIDIL COMPOUND

Indications: Hair Loss

ABOUT MINOXIDIL COMPOUND

This compounded solution, used once or twice a day, has been shown to stop to hair loss and some patients report new hair growth.

Minoxidil, whether compounded as a solution or foam, are used to assist hair growth for the treatment of male pattern baldness. This FDA approved compound is neither used for baldness at the front of the scalp, nor for receding hairline in men. Nor is it is used for sudden/patchy hair loss, unexplained hair loss (e.g., no family history of hair loss), or hair loss after giving birth.The foam and 2 percent minoxidil solution is also used to help promote volume in women with thinning hair.

Minoxidil belongs to a class of drugs known as vasodilators. It is not yet known the mechanism by which minoxidil causes hair growth, but it works by actively promoting hair growth by shedding old hairs and replacing them with new ones.Minoxidil appears to relax blood vessels, easing the path of blood flow to your scalp and hair follicles.

MINOXIDIL INSTRUCTIONS:

Read and follow all instructions as prescribed by your physician prior to using this product. If you are not sure about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist prior to use. For the compounded drops, drop Minoxidil on the affected area and let it dry for 2-4 hours. Be sure to keep your hair away from your pillow when wet.

Minoxidil is also compounded as a foam or solution. In this case, clean and dry the scalp prior to applying the medication. It’s ok to apply this product to damp hair. When using the solution, fill the applicator with 1 milliliter of medication (to the 1 milliliter line), which should be around 20 drops, unless otherwise instructed by your physician. Be sure to part your hair in the area that needs hair growth, and use the solution evenly on the affected area of the scalp. Gently rub the solution into your scalp. Let the solution dry entirely prior to use of styling products like gels or mousse. You should also allow the solution to dry prior to going to bed.

To use the foam, rinse your hands in cold water and dry well. Apply about 1/2 capful of foam to the scalp and rub in gently, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Let the foam dry well prior to using other products, or going to bed.

MINOXIDIL INTERACTIONS:

Drugs for high blood pressure (e.g., guanethidine), drugs that interact with alcohol (e.g., disulfiram, metronidazole) may also interact with Minoxidil.

Do not use this medication more often than prescribed. Do not apply more Minoxidil than directed. Avoid applying Minoxidil to an irritated or sunburned scalp. Applying this compound to an irritated or sunburned scalp can lead to the drug being unintentionally absorbed by your body, resulting in serious side effects.

MINOXIDIL PRECAUTIONS:

It is not uncommon to lose some hair when first using Minoxidil. Don’t fear: early hair loss is temporary. As old hair is replaced by new, thicker hair, this process can take 4 months of regular use to see a huge benefit. You must continuously use Minoxidil in order to maintain hair growth. If your condition does not improve or gets worse after 4 to 6 months of continued use as prescribed, or if you think a serious medical problem has arisen, consult your physician right away.

Avoid using Minoxidil on other parts of the body, unless directed by your doctor. As mentioned, avoid using Minoxidil on skin that is red, painful, irritated, scraped, cut, or infected. Wash hands thoroughly after applying Minoxidil. And avoid getting the medication in your eyes. If you do get Minoxidil in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with large amounts of cool water and consult your physician.