HAIR LOSS
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is the generic form of the brand Rogaine®. Both medications work similarly in the body.
Minoxidil is a topical medication that is used to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). It is applied to the scalp twice daily. Roman currently offers the 5% strength of minoxidil topical solution. This strength can be used in men but should not be used in women.
$XX/month
FAQs
What is minoxidil?
How is minoxidil different from Rogaine®?
How does minoxidil work?
The exact mechanism of action of topical minoxidil is not completely understood. It increases the length of the growth phase of hair follicles (a process called ‘anagen’) and increases the size of hair follicles which dictates the thickness/diameter of the hair that comes out of the follicle. Minoxidil relaxes smooth muscle in blood vessel walls causing them to widen, increasing blood flow. This may be one of the ways that minoxidil works to stop or slow hair loss, and, in some cases, regrow hair.
Minoxidil tends to work best on younger men who have been experiencing progressive hair loss for fewer than 5 years. In fact, the earlier the better. However, even if started early, minoxidil is more likely to stop hair loss than to regrow hair. Hair regrowth can occur, but it is more common to stop or slow hair loss than it is to see hair regrowth. Minoxidil was studied and found to be effective at stopping or slowing down hair loss at the crown of the scalp. Interestingly, in the first few months of using minoxidil, loss of fine hairs may occur before they are replaced by thicker, more mature hairs. For some men, it can seem like it is getting a little worse before it improves.
How effective is minoxidil?
Can minoxidil help with hair regrowth?
How soon can you wash your hair after applying minoxidil?
Wait 4 hours after applying minoxidil to your scalp before washing your hair. It’s a good idea to develop a routine of washing and drying your hair before applying minoxidil. Wash your hands immediately after applying minoxidil to your scalp.
What drugs interact with minoxidil?
Avoid touching your clothes and other parts of your body after applying minoxidil. Wash your hands thoroughly and immediately after applying minoxidil to your scalp.
Minoxidil can stain clothes, linens, etc. That means the best time to apply it is not just before going to bed or in the morning just before putting on a hat. Instead, apply it 2 to 4 hours before going to bed and, if you apply minoxidil in the morning, let it dry before you put on a hat.
It’s also a good idea to avoid blow-drying your hair right after applying minoxidil as this can make the treatment less effective.
Side effects of topical minoxidil
The most common side effects of topical minoxidil are irritation and itching of the scalp where the medication is applied. Unintended hair growth can occur if minoxidil comes in contact with areas other than your scalp. Other potential side effects of topical minoxidil that are more rare include:
- Acne at the application site
- Burning of scalp
- Increased hair loss
- Inflammation or soreness at root of hair
- Reddened skin
- Facial swelling or swelling of the face, hands, feet, or lower legs
- Blurred vision or other changes in vision
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
- Numbness or tingling of hands, feet, or face
- Weight gain
You should contact your doctor or nurse practitioner immediately if you experience any of these side effects.
What drugs interact with minoxidil?
Minoxidil dosing information
Minoxidil comes in two strengths, 2% and 5%. 5% minoxidil has been shown to be more effective than 2% in men but not in women. Both strengths are approved for hair loss in men, but only the 2% strength is approved in women.
For minoxidil solution: The dose should not exceed 2 mL per day.
For minoxidil foam: The dose should not exceed one capful per day.
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