Adult men and women with a certain form of baldness can use minoxidil to stimulate hair growth by applying it to their scalp. This medicine’s exact mechanism of action is unknown.

If hair growth occurs as a result of using minoxidil, it usually happens after several months of use and only lasts as long as the medicine is used. After the minoxidil medication is stopped, hair loss will resume within a few months.

This medication is available without a prescription in the United States.

Minoxidil Usage

In the treatment of male pattern baldness, minoxidil solution and foam are used to promote hair growth. It is not recommended for males with frontal baldness or a receding hairline. The foam and 2% minoxidil solution are also used to aid hair development in women with thinning hair.

Minoxidil is a vasodilator, which means it relaxes the blood vessels. It’s unclear how minoxidil promotes hair growth. This drug is not for sudden/patchy hair loss, unexplained hair loss (for example, if you have no family history of hair loss), or hair loss after childbirth. If you are 18 years old or younger, do not use this product.

How To Use Minoxidil

Before using this product, read and follow all of the recommendations on the packaging. Inquire with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.

Before applying the drug, make sure the scalp is clean and dry. This product can be used on damp hair. Fill the applicator with 1 milliliter of medication (to the 1-milliliter line) or 20 drops to use the solution. Part your hair in the thinning area and apply the solution evenly to the scalp’s afflicted area. Rub in gently. Before applying any styling products (such as gels or mousse) or retiring to bed, let the solution dry fully.

To use the foam, wash your hands with cold water and thoroughly dry them. Apply a half-capful of foam to the scalp and gently massage it in. Before style or going to bed, let the foam dry completely.

If you have scalp sensitivity, you should avoid using minoxidil on days when you have your hair colored or chemically treated (for example, permed).

What To Avoid

Use only as instructed by your doctor. Use only on red, sore, irritated, scraped, cut, or infected skin. After using, properly wash your hands. Make sure you don’t get any of the medication in your eyes. If this happens, immediately rinse your eyes with plenty of cool water.

Do not use this drug more frequently than suggested, or apply it to a burnt or irritated scalp. This can result in the medicine being absorbed into your body, which can have dangerous negative effects. Alcohol may be present in this product, which can irritate and dry the scalp. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for instructions on how to use this medicine safely.

Side Effects

The application areas may experience burning, stinging, or redness. Contact your doctor or pharmacist right away if any of these side effects continue or worsen.

If your doctor has prescribed this drug, keep in mind that your doctor has determined that the benefit to you outweighs the risk of adverse effects. The majority of people who take this medicine do not have any substantial adverse effects.

This drug can occasionally be absorbed via the skin and cause unwanted side effects. If you have any serious adverse effects, such as unwanted facial/body hair, dizziness, fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, chest discomfort, swelling of hands/feet, unusual weight gain, exhaustion, or difficulty breathing, stop taking this medication and contact your doctor straight once.

Precautions

If you are allergic to minoxidil or have any other allergies, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using it. Inactive chemicals may be included in this product, causing allergic reactions or other issues. For further information, speak with your pharmacist.

Before using this medication, see your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following health concerns: scalp disorders (such as dermatitis, infection, wounds), heart problems (such as chest pain, heart attack, heart failure), renal illness, or liver disease.

This product should only be used when absolutely necessary during pregnancy. Consult your doctor about the dangers and advantages.

It is unknown if this medication goes into breast milk. Before you start breastfeeding, talk to your doctor.

Dosage

This medicine’s dosage will vary depending on the patient. Follow your doctor’s orders or the label’s instructions. Only the typical doses of this drug are included in the following information. If your dose differs, do not alter it unless your doctor instructs you to.

The amount of medicine you take is determined by the medicine’s strength. In addition, the number of dosages you take each day, the duration between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine are all determined by the medical problem for which the medicine is being used.

Advantage of Using Minoxidil

Minoxidil reduces or stops hair loss in most women. Minoxidil can really increase new hair growth in up to a quarter of women who use it. It works best if you apply it as soon as you detect you’re losing hair.

It’s available without a prescription, so you don’t need a doctor’s prescription to receive it. However, it is advised that everyone sees a primary care doctor or a dermatologist before starting treatment because hair loss could be caused by a medical issue such as thyroid problems or nutritional deficiencies