Minoxidil is a drug that has vasodilating and hypotensive effects. It was first synthesized in 1950 and was widely used to treat arterial hypertension. When testing and studying the drug, a side effect was discovered - increased hair growth with long-term use. This ability was studied by scientists who subsequently found an explanation for hair growth in relaxation of smooth muscles, expansion of the lumen of blood vessels, and therefore increased blood flow to organs and tissues, saturating them with oxygen and nutrients. Additionally, a slight effect on the production of androgens, hormones responsible for male-type hair growth, was revealed. Thus, Minoxidil began to be successfully used to treat alopecia (mainly in men).
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
This drug is able to activate potassium channels in the membrane area of smooth muscle cells in the walls of blood vessels. Minoxidil is characterized by a peripheral vasodilating effect that dilates resistive vessels, reduces the load on the myocardium, leads to reflex tachycardia and an increase in cardiac output. The activity of plasma renin in the blood also increases, and sodium and water retention occurs.
The drug has a stimulating effect on hair growth in cases of androgen-dependent alopecia. It is assumed that increased hair growth is facilitated by vasodilation and improved microcirculation in the skin and hair follicles. The maximum effect is manifested in the treatment of a disease that lasts less than 10 years, in young patients, with a bald spot up to 10 cm in size. In this case, a positive result is achieved by the majority of patients suffering from the disease up to 3-5 years.
A noticeable effect of treatment appears after 4 months, subject to daily local use of the solution. Canceling therapy leads to the cessation of new hair growth, and after 3–4 months the restoration of the previous bald patches is possible.
When administered orally, almost complete absorption of the drug was observed. Maximum concentration is achieved within an hour. Inside the body, the medicine practically does not interact with plasma proteins. The active ingredient may pass into breast milk. In the liver, the substance is biotransformed into low-active metabolites. Excretion occurs through the kidneys.
When used topically on intact skin, absorption of approximately 1.4% of the drug was observed. When the use of Minoxidil is stopped, the process of its elimination takes about 4 days through the kidneys.
Release form
Positive results from the use of Minoxidil contributed to the release of the drug by different companies (Kirkland Signature, Johnson & Johnson, PHS, DS Laboratories and others). The release forms also differ significantly: powder, tablets, alcohol ampoules, lotions, shampoos, foam, sprays. The most popular alcohol solutions for external use are 2%, 5%, 10, 15%.
Minoxidil for beard
To improve stubble growth, Minoxidil 5% is usually used, which Wikipedia characterizes as a “male” product. When the solution is applied to the skin, vasodilation occurs, which increases blood microcirculation. Thanks to this, the nutrition of the hair follicles is increased, which promotes increased hair growth from vellus to terminal hair. Of course, a lot depends on the characteristics of the person. With the same use of beard solution, some people experience the effect already in the first month, while others notice an increase in stubble only after 3-4 months.
As a rule, it may take 1-1.5 years for the drug to not only promote the development of the terminal stage, but also allow the effect to be consolidated.
What is minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a water-soluble crystalline substance that is produced using chemical synthesis technology and has a pronounced vasodilating effect. Based on it, various drugs are made to combat baldness. When applied externally to the skin, they improve blood microcirculation, awaken dormant follicles and stimulate hair growth.
Such drugs are produced with different compositions. In their simplest form they contain:
- minoxidil – with a concentration from 2 to 16%;
- ethyl alcohol - it acts as a solvent, preservative and antiseptic;
- propylene glycol is a solvent that enhances the absorption of the product into the skin;
- water - it acts as a solvent and filler for the mixture.
Alcohol and propylene glycol sometimes cause irritation and dry skin in patients, so some products use lipid nanosomes instead. Propylene glycol is sometimes replaced with glycerin. Additionally, the composition may include:
- finasteride is a hormonal drug that blocks the transition of testosterone to the active phase of dehydrotestosterone (DHT), which weakens and thins hair;
- lactic acid is a component that prevents the ducts of the sebaceous glands from becoming clogged;
- collagen, elastin – increasing skin elasticity and strengthening hair follicles;
- liposphere system - microcapsules that deliver active components to the follicles;
- vitamin and mineral complex - for enhanced nutrition of hair with useful substances;
- Procyanidin B-2 is an activator of enzymes that initiate the active stage of hair growth.
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Contraindications for use
You should stop using tablets if:
- hypersensitivity;
- lactation, pregnancy;
- pheochromocytoma;
- mitral stenosis;
- secondary pulmonary hypertension.
The drug in solution is not recommended for use when:
- violation of skin integrity;
- dermatosis of the scalp.
Side effects of Minoxidil
While using this drug, various side effects may develop that can affect the functioning of any system or organ. The nervous system and sensory organs are especially often affected, which is accompanied by dizziness , headache , blurred vision , and so on.
The cardiovascular system and hematopoiesis are characterized by: decreased pressure, development of tachycardia, arrhythmia , heart failure, angina pectoris, exudative pericarditis, thrombopenia, leukopenia.
In addition, various undesirable manifestations on the skin and scalp are possible: hypertrichosis, increased pigmentation, development of dermatitis, eczema, folliculitis , etc.
Instructions for use of Minoxidil (method and dosage)
The tablets are intended for oral administration. According to the instructions for Minoxidil, the initial daily dose for adults and children over 12 years of age is 5 mg for 1-2 doses. If necessary, the dosage is gradually increased.
In this case, the average maintenance daily dose is 10-40 mg. You can take no more than 100 mg per day. For children under 12 years of age, the drug is prescribed once, the initial dose is calculated at 0.2 mg per kg of weight. The average therapeutic dose is 0.2–1 mg per kg of weight, the permissible maximum dosage is 50 mg per kg of weight.
Minoxidil external solution for hair should be applied to the dry surface of the scalp 2 times a day, 1 ml of product. In this case, it should be rubbed in carefully, starting application from the center of the damaged area.
Use of the drug
Instructions for use Minoxidil recommends using this drug not only for hair, but also for eyelashes and eyebrows. Research results have proven its benefits and no harm. This is an important moment, and for many it becomes decisive.
Despite the research, it has not yet been possible to establish the principle of action of the drug. Initially, his task was to normalize blood pressure. Positive results can be seen after a few months. The drug helps restore the health of hair follicles.
I would also like to say separately that for healthy hair you also need good nutrition. There will be little point in increasing blood circulation if the blood does not carry vitamins and fats, protein and minerals, and oxygen. Therefore, good nutrition and walks are the key to your beauty and health.
Reviews about Minoxidil
This drug is distributed in many countries, but Russia and Ukraine are especially actively purchasing it. As a rule, reviews about it confirm the selectivity of the effect on different patients. Some people report that the treatment was highly effective and they achieved excellent results. At the same time, reviews from women about Minoxidil are much more common than reviews from men.
In most cases, reviews of Minoxidil for hair report that a solution with a 5% concentration is often used by women. They say that they noticed the effect of the drug after about three months - thin hairs began to appear on the affected areas, gradually darkening and thickening.
Minoxidil is also used for hair by men, who often describe a positive effect. At the same time, they clarify that they waited for it for several months, but even after that the hair grew back slowly, but noticeably.
However, there are reports of patients on whom the treatment had no effect at all. Users say that they followed the instructions exactly and used the solution for a long time, but do not specify the indication for use. The fact is that it is prescribed specifically for androgenetic alopecia , which can only be diagnosed by a specialist.
Indications and contraindications
The main indication for the use of the drug is male pattern alopecia in men and women (focal or diffuse). The drug is used to restore scalp and body hair, most often in the area of bald patches and beard. In the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, the drug is used much less frequently. However, Minoxidil can relieve the symptoms of arterial hypertension, reduce the load on the heart muscle, and improve local blood circulation. Contraindications:
- arterial hypotension;
- individual intolerance to components;
- violation of the integrity of the skin at the sites of intended use;
- age under 18 years;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding (no studies have been conducted).
It is worth noting that the drug does not have an effect on hair loss due to genetic diseases, chemotherapy, as well as improper and poor nutrition.
Side effects
The drug is well tolerated, causing side effects in very rare cases (itching, redness or unwanted hair growth outside the area of application of the drug). Alcohol solutions can sometimes cause skin flaking, dandruff, and contact dermatitis. Attention: slight hair loss may occur in the first weeks. This is due to increased follicle function, hair renewal and replacement of weak hair with healthy ones (in the telogen phase). When taking the drug orally or using large doses, allergic reactions, swelling, increased heart rate, and dizziness are possible. In such cases, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Minoxidil price, where to buy
The price of Minoxidil in pharmacies depends on the established course of therapy. For example, in the Moscow pharmacy Kirkland Minoxidil 5% for 1 month can be purchased at a price of 900 rubles, and for 12 months from 7300 rubles.
You can buy a hair product in St. Petersburg in regular pharmacies or order it online. You can buy Minoxidil 15% at a cost of 2,300 rubles.
The price of Minoxidil in Ukraine for 1-12 bottles is 199 – 1995 UAH.
- Online pharmacies in UkraineUkraine
- Online pharmacies in KazakhstanKazakhstan
Pharmacy24
- Minoxidil Inteli 60 ml solution Industrial Pharmaceutica Cantabria, S.A., Spain
417 UAH.order - Minoxidil Inteli 2% 60 ml No. 1 solution Industrial Pharmaceutica Cantabria, S.A., Spain
306 UAH. order
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Types of drugs based on minoxidil
Depending on the concentration of the main component, the following hair preparations with minoxidil are distinguished:
- with a minimum of 2% minoxidil content - products intended for female audiences and for men with mild forms of alopecia;
- 5% compositions - suitable for both women (with severe baldness or 1 application of the drug per day), and for men at the initial stage of alopecia;
- 10–12% and 15–16% drugs are recommended for men in advanced stages of baldness in cases where products with a lower concentration did not provide the desired effect.
Depending on the release form, you can purchase:
- The lotion is a clear liquid with the smell of alcohol, which disappears 15 minutes after application. Apply with a pipette cap or spray bottle. Easy to apply, even if your hair is long. The disadvantages include the presence of propylene glycol in most products, which can cause skin irritation.
- Foam - great for those with short hair, dries quickly and often does not contain propylene glycol, but is more expensive.
Vials with a liquid drug usually have a volume of 60 ml and are designed for a month of use. Manufacturers offer various nozzle options:
- a lid with a graduated pipette - for precise measuring of a single dose;
- spray;
- elongated spray nozzle – for easy application by those with long hair.
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