Minoxidil was first developed by Upjohn in the 1950s. It is a vasodilator and it was later found that it stimulates hair growth (1).
Although you can buy the 2% and 5% strength of minoxidil over the counter, it is not available in the 10% strength. The higher strengths are only sold on prescription, mainly through hair loss clinics.
How to Use
Buy minoxidil 10% Europemust be applied to the scalp daily and it will take several months to see results. It is important to be consistent with this medication and for patients to follow all instructions provided by Bayview Pharmacy. Do not apply the medicine to skin that is irritated, shaved, sunburned, or broken. If you get the medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse immediately with large amounts of cool water.
This medication comes as a lotion, liquid or foam and in 2% or 5% strength. The higher concentration is only available with prescription and under the supervision of a doctor for as long as you continue treatment.
The lotion and liquid should be applied to the affected area of the scalp once each day and the foam should be applied just before you shave or shower. You should not rub the medication into your skin or apply it to any other areas of the body, because this could increase absorption and cause unwanted side effects.
Dosage
Buy minoxidil 10%is a medication that can be used to promote hair growth, though it has also been effective in treating conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis and lichen planopilaris. It can be found as a lotion, liquid or foam and comes in a variety of strengths including 2% and 5%. This product contains a higher concentration of the medication and is typically only available with a prescription. It must be used as directed and should only be applied to the scalp.
Using higher concentrations of the drug can cause side effects such as heart problems and angina. This may be because the medication reaches a point where it is no longer fully absorbed by the skin. This is a phenomenon known as the law of diminishing returns and may occur around 7.5 % strength. This is why a prescription and constant follow-ups with a doctor are required for this product. It should be applied before and after any hair colouring or permanent treatments to avoid staining the scalp.
Side Effects
Minoxidil works by relaxing and enlarging certain small blood vessels. It is part of a class of medications called peripheral vasodilators. Minoxidil oral tablet does not cause drowsiness and is safe for long-term use.
Oral minoxidil can cause side effects like headaches, ankle edema or hair growth in other areas of the body (usually the face). Some people choose to continue the treatment and remove the excess hair using various methods such as laser or electrolysis.
The effectiveness of minoxidil decreases with increasing dosage. This is because the drug is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, and concentrations quickly fall. Increases in dosage beyond 5% probably provide no additional therapeutic benefits and only increase the risk of side effects. Minoxidil can also interact with several drugs, including guanethidine, a blood pressure medicine. Talk to your doctor before you start or stop taking any other medicines. It is not known whether minoxidil topical solution passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.
Precautions
Minoxidil should not be applied to irritated, broken, or cut skin. It may cause irritation and stinging at the application site. If you get minoxidil in your eyes or on other parts of the body, rinse with large amounts of cool water. Do not use minoxidil on children or on women with a history of female pattern hair loss. It is not known if this medication will be effective in these cases.
This medication can lower your blood pressure. Before using it, tell your doctor if you have heart disease or high blood pressure, or a history of stroke, diabetes, or thyroid disease. Also tell your doctor if you have a tumor called pheochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumor).
Minoxidil can cause water and salt to build up in your body, which can lead to congestive heart failure. Your doctor may direct you to take a diuretic or a heart medication to prevent this side effect.
