Hair loss is extremely unpleasant and, one may say, a dangerous affliction. The thinning of the hair may indicate a hormonal disturbance, a malfunction of the internal organs, a lack of vitamins, skin diseases, and so on. The most common type of disease is androgenic alopecia. It is impossible to start such a problem, as long-term loss can lead to irretrievable alopecia. How to recognize the disease in time? And what is minoxidil?
Thinning hair, reducing their density along the central part and from the sides, gradual loss, and the growth of “gun” on the head are the first non-specific signs of androgenic “redundancy”. The reason for this baldness is the attack of androgens (male sex hormones) on hair follicles. As a result, the cells of the latter are damaged and replaced with connective tissue. The affected follicles become incapable of further hair production.
Both men and women can suffer from this imbalance. Only an experienced trichologist can make an accurate diagnosis, for this you will need to pass tests for identifying abnormalities in the hormonal background, seeding for infectious diseases, etc.
Minoxidil: what is it?
Today, Alerana, Regein and other brands represent a line of lotions and foams for external use, which include Minoxidil. The active ingredient itself, falling on the scalp, provokes blood flow to the hair follicles, resulting in optimized nutrition and respiration of the hair roots. Such drugs are used to strengthen hair and to stimulate their growth, which makes it possible to prevent loss and renew vegetation on bald areas.
- Some facts about the use of minoxidil:
Complete solution
Hair loss is a peculiar signal of the body about a number of irregularities in its work. Do not treat the problem superficially. We recommend to take a vitamin and a complex for hair! Timely seeking professional help will not only save money, but also maintain health.
Minoxidil - what is it?
Minoxidil is a chemically synthesized component that has a nonspecific effect, namely, it stimulates hair growth. This element is the active substance of Rogain, Spectral DNS, Regen, Pilfud, Spectral DNS-L, Kosilon, and other preparations created on its basis.
The drug in no way affects the male hormones - androgens, thus not being a substance with antiandrogenic effect. Cosmetically sufficient hair growth is ensured by the fact that minoxidil, whose analogues also exhibit a similar effect, affects the process of hair thickening, reduces the intensity of their loss and contributes to an increase in the number of hair follicles.
Historical facts
For the first time this substance was used in the 1970s to treat severe arterial hypertension, that is, high blood pressure, as an oral medication. It caused the expansion of blood vessels by opening potassium channels.
At the same time, it was noticed that in 24-100% of patients with oral ingestion an increase in hair growth on the body occurred, and hypertrichosis continued to develop. It was interesting that this effect was observed more often in women than in men, and when taking smaller doses.
Since 1979, the study of this drug action has begun. At first he was prescribed for internal use, but his side effect was a decrease in blood pressure and other problems. This led scientists to look for topical methods in the form of lotions, which resulted in positive results.
From this point on, its use as a drug for the treatment of baldness and other hair problems has spread widely, some have used minoxidil for a beard. The first outdoor product with minoxidil Rogaine was developed by the American pharmaceutical company Upjohn.
Drug action
Minoxidil is a crystalline substance that is easily soluble in water.
Its effective influence on the process of restoring the hairy part and reducing hair loss is noted. The drug does not affect the hormonal component of the body as a whole.
Minoxidil is a stable, but inactive component. Inside the hair follicle, it acts not directly, but by becoming minoxidil sulfate, which is a more active derivative that stimulates hair growth. This transformation takes place with the participation of sulfotransferase enzymes, which are contained in the cells of the hair follicle.
Preparations with minoxidil are intended for use externally in the treatment of the symptom of male pattern baldness (from the top of the head) and female (along the middle parting).
The main cause of alopecia is the susceptibility of hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone. The drug does not affect this process, but affects the activity of follicles and cellular structure.
How exactly minoxidil works - it is not known, there is an assumption that by relaxing the blood vessels, it enhances the blood flow to the hair follicles, thereby slowing down or stopping the process of loss. At the same time, the growth of healthy new follicles is accelerating. But this effect largely depends on the susceptibility of each individual patient to the drug.
Minoxidil: will it help me? How effective can treatment be?
Paradoxically, Minoxidil was not originally intended to eliminate the problem of alopecia. The drug was developed as an antihypertensive drug (to combat high blood pressure). However, clinical trials of the drug revealed a curious side effect: almost all of the subjects experienced an increase in the intensity of hair growth.
Such an unexpected effect was immediately applied: Minoxidil was suggested to be used for external use (in the form of foam, lotion) as an anti-baldness remedy, primarily, genetically-conditioned (androgenic). At the same time, Minoxidil could be recommended to both men and women.
Androgenic alopecia is one of the main causes of thinning of hair in men (up to 96% of all cases). This form of baldness is genetically determined, albeit indirectly. The cause of androgenic alopecia is a feature of the endocrine system that produces an excessive amount of DHT (a specific hormone - dihydrotestosterone). Dihydrotestosterone, acting on the hair follicles, causes them to reduce their own activity. As a result - thinning hair, reducing their growth rate and, in the end, total baldness.
Among a large number of drugs and cosmetics, Minoxidil to some extent contributes to the inhibition of the balding process and the restoration of normal functioning of the hair follicles.
Speaking about efficiency, you need to understand exactly what is meant by this term in each specific case.
Men whose baldness began relatively recently are wondering whether it is possible to stop the alopecia process with the help of Minoxidil. Those who suffer from alopecia for a long time and already have a significant increase in the number of people thinking about the possibility of restoring normal hair.
More often, men are interested in the effectiveness of Minoxidil. For women, androgenic alopecia (which occurs, as is known, is the most active and leads to almost complete baldness) is uncharacteristic and arises, rather, as an exception. This is due to the same genetic factor. Dihydrotestosterone is a typically male hormone that exists in the female body in negligible amounts. However, sometimes there are exceptions.
Therefore, the question of the effectiveness of Minoxidil in relation to the problem of alopecia in men and women should be considered separately.
Minoxidil: instructions for use
Treatment with Minoxidil is dose-dependent, that is, the higher the concentration of the drug, the greater the positive effect on hair growth.
The standard treatment regimen involves applying the medication twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. The procedure is performed with a pipette or spray from the kit. For three to four hours after this it is recommended not to wash off the head, the drug should be completely absorbed.
In the initial stages of the disease, application once a day for a night is sufficient.
In the treatment of hereditary (androgenetic) alopecia, stronger drugs are used - minoxidil 5% or more, and in the case of diffuse - two percent solutions.
The time before the appearance of the first new hair from the moment of the start of treatment is from a month to one year, but very often the result is already felt during the first three months.
If no positive results were observed within six months from the start of using minoxidil, then there is a chance that in this case the drug is ineffective. The duration of the use of the drug depends on the severity of the problem and is usually several years.
Does Minoxidil help with hair loss due to other causes?
In general, as shown by the results of specialized studies, Minoxidil is most effective in combating it with androgenic alopecia. Also at the moment there are a number of studies proving some effectiveness of the drug in eliminating other types of baldness, but the accuracy of the information cannot be unequivocally confirmed: too little information.
What needs to be considered?
It is important to remember that exposure to minoxidil for hair, reviews confirm this, you need to continue until the effect is fully consolidated. Otherwise, all grown hair is lost over the next three to six months.
But it is reassuring that they quickly get used to the use of the drug, the time spent on the procedure is about five minutes. Therefore outweighs the desire to have beautiful hair and problems with the continuation of treatment does not arise.
Prolonged use has a positive effect by increasing the supply of minerals to the follicle, which stimulates the regeneration process and increases the hair growth phase, production of nitric oxide, which leads to improved oxygen supply to the tissues.
Side effects
The most common side effect of preparations with minoxidil for hair, reviews confirm this, is irritation of the scalp, peeling and itching, more often with the use of therapeutic lotions. This is due to the fact that the preparations contain alcohol and the solvent propylene glycol, which causes skin irritation. In this case, prescribed medicinal analogues that do not contain these components.
The second most frequent side effect is that hair growth is enhanced in the sideburns and cheeks, and this is especially problematic for women. Therefore, the weaker part is often prescribed a weaker drug - minoxidil 2%.
Minoxidil: Analogs
The most popular analogues of the drug, containing various additives and produced in various forms, are:
- Spectral.DNC-L is a creamy preparation for use in severe baldness.
- Dercos and Kerium contain L’Oreal aminexyl for mild to moderate forms of the disease.
- Spectral.DNC - 5% drug in the form of a nanosome encapsulation in the form of a lotion.
- Spectral.DNC-N (contains nanoxyl) is an American drug used in the treatment of androgenic alopecia with intolerance to minoxidil.
- Alerana 2% (for the treatment of women) with pinacidil content.
- Minoksidil Alerana 5% (for the treatment of men).
- Ukrainian MinoX, Syrian Minoxidine, Italian Revivexil.
- Dualgen-15 is the strongest drug with a maximum concentration of minoxidil of 15%, enhanced by azelaic acid. Recommended for the treatment of severe androgenic alopecia.
Forms of release
Visually, the liquid preparation has a transparent structure of slightly colored color. On sale there are bottles of 60 ml of two to four in the kit. One bottle is enough for a course of treatment for a month.
Manufacturers are drug kits with several types of tips:
- Classic spray. The sprayer is put on the bottle immediately at the factory.
- The extended spray - is intended for long hair.
- The batcher applicator with a rubber head - for rubbing in and spraying at the same time.
- Scale-applied pipette - for accurate measurement of doses of the drug when applied to local areas.
Companies also produce other products: Minoxidil shampoo, masks, gels, ointments, creams, conditioners, and agents in nanoscale encapsulation.
Statistics data
It is proved that with proper use of minoxidil increases the growth of scalp in a third of patients, and, the greater the concentration, the better the effect. Best of all, the drug acts on the crown and is suitable for hair of any type.
For a stronger effect, minoxidil for external hair growth is combined with the simultaneous ingestion of finasteride, which blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. This combined therapy increases the positive effect and enhances the effect of medicines for hair.
When examining the effect of a 2% solution of Minoxidil in a group of 3000 volunteers, the following data were obtained: the amount of hair in a 25x25 mm area over four months showed a noticeable increase - it increased by a third.
When is it applied?
Minoxidil, the price of which varies depending on the manufacturer, is used in the following cases:
- The disease with androgenic alopecia (male-pattern baldness in the parietal and frontal zones) in both sexes at the initial stage is the first or second stage. Later, the drug is no longer effective.
- Treatment of diffuse alopecia - hair loss on the entire surface of the head during combing or washing (2% solution).
- The defeat of hormonal alopecia - caused by hormonal imbalances during stress, after childbirth, age-related changes, etc.
- The defeat of focal alopecia. This local, focal hair loss (minoxidil 5%).
Minoxidil: price and where to get
Preparations based on minoxidil are sold in pharmacies, as well as in online stores. The price depends largely on the brand of the product, the form of its release and the declared concentration. That is, the foam will cost more than lotion.
When you purchase a set of several bottles of the same means for a course of treatment, many online stores offer significant discounts, so you can save on this. One bottle is usually consumed in 30 days.
The prices of hair preparations based on Minoxidil from different manufacturers per bottle are as follows:
- Rogaine 5% foam - 1200-1500 rubles,
- lotion Dualgen-15 - 2700-2950 rub.,
- Kirkland lotion 5% - 650-850 rubles.,
- Spectral DNS-L5% lotion - 2300-2600 rub.,
- Equate lotion 2% - 1300 rubles.
Cautions when using the drug
Normally, exposure to Minoxidil for hair, reviews confirm this, it is well tolerated, it is quickly absorbed, leaving no residue. The use of the drug is not recommended in some cases:
- If the process of hair loss is not associated with androgenic alopecia, and the hair falls out due to mechanical injury, that is, tight tightening or weaving.
- With the rapid and unexpected appearance of baldness on the head, which may be not a baldness, but a manifestation of such a disease as a lichen, requiring a different treatment.
- People under the age of 18 years.
- Lactating mothers and pregnant women do not recommend the drug because of the low level of knowledge of its effects on the fetus and child.
- It is not recommended to take the drug also in case of hypersensitivity to it and violations of the skin of the head caused by infections or manifested by redness or irritation.
With timely, correct and systematic use of drugs with minoxidil for the treatment of hair loss, you can achieve sustainable positive results. The main thing is to be patient.
What it is?
"Minoxidil" was originally designed to expand blood vessels and lower blood pressure. However, when applied topically, the drug manifests itself as an active fighter with hereditary baldness. This type of baldness is especially dangerous for women, because it is commonly believed that only men become victims of the problem. Women encounter the first signs of baldness without much concern; they use folk recipes that are ineffective in this case. As a result, baldness is becoming more and more widespread, which complicates treatment and postpones recovery for a long time.
The drug can stimulate hair growth and stop their loss. Bald areas are gradually covered with a light fuzz, which over time becomes thicker, denser, takes on the appearance of previous hair. The earlier the patient resorts to the use of "Minoxidil" for hair growth, the more fully will be able to restore the original state of the hairstyle. Turning to the help of the product in the later stages, unfortunately, it is possible only partially to “populate” the bald spot with new hairs.
The presence of nitric oxide (II) in the composition makes it possible to enhance the response of receptors to the action. Anabolic effect is carried out on follicle cells, protein synthesis is stimulated, potassium channels of cell membranes are opened, oxygen, blood and nutrients are supplied to cells. Thanks to these processes, the hair growth cycle is extended. The development of vascular vascular growth factor is also stimulated, which also has a positive effect on the treatment of baldness.
It is necessary to refrain from use in the period of childbearing and lactation. If hair growth products cause itching, irritation and redness, the sessions should be discontinued.
How to use Minoxidil?
Instructions for use is quite simple: the solution is applied to the scalp 2 times a day. The tool does not require rinsing, moreover, it is forbidden to wash your hair for 4 hours after application. The first results can be expected no earlier than 3-4 months, and therefore it is not worthwhile to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of the tool before this period. The growth of new hair is expected strictly on an individual schedule, which depends on the characteristics of each individual patient.
The tool successfully copes with the effects of baldness, but is unable to influence the cause itself. After the cessation of use, the problem will return, and therefore the application must now be on a permanent basis. Add the application of the solution to the list of daily morning and evening procedures and baldness will not affect you.
The first response of the body to the drug may be increased deposition. Refusing treatment is not worth it, because it is a temporary phenomenon. The scalp gets rid of weak hairs so that new, stronger and stronger ones will grow in their place.
Minoxidil is represented by three types of solutions: 2%, 5%, 15%. The first option is suitable for the treatment of female baldness, both of the others are used by men (the concentration will depend on the neglect of the problem). Women are not recommended to use more concentrated solutions in order to avoid the appearance of unwanted vegetation.
Important! The lack of a result should be a reason to contact the trichologist and clarify the diagnosis. "Minoxidil" resumes hair growth only with hereditary baldness. Other causes of loss are eliminated by appropriate preparations.
Tips to help you in the proper use of hair loss medicine "Minoxidil":
Analogs of Minoxidil
Not everyone can afford the expensive tool. In this case, more affordable alternatives come to the rescue.
- "Generolon" - the cheapest analogue of the drug. Presented in two concentrations: 2% and 5%. Dermatitis is a side effect. The absence of negative consequences makes it possible to treat baldness with this drug.
- Spray "Alerana" (2%, 5%). Experts recommend using spray as the rest of the series (shampoos, masks, tonics) are ineffective.
- Trichologists recommend such drugs as "Azelomax", "Azelofein" and "Regein".
- "Amineksil" is similar to "Minoxidil" in structure. Clinical studies suggest the ability of an agent to stop hair loss in men and women.
- “Kromakalin” has similar properties: the opening of potassium channels, stimulation of DNA synthesis.
Consumer feedback on Minoxidil
The tool is not cheap, but the feedback from women who managed to cope with the problem with the help of Minoxidil became a weighty argument for me. I started the treatment without delay. Perhaps this was my salvation. It was possible to completely restore lost hair. Now I use the drug every day and have no problems with the loss.
Good remedy. The price is fully justified. You can, of course, use and analogues, but they are likely to be effective only in the initial stages. If you need to solve a serious problem of balding, you have to fork out.
I immediately began to apply a 15% solution, since the top was almost bald. Not to say that the industry’s hair is completely, but it is clearly better than it was. Hair slightly "thin" in this place, but visually it is imperceptible. I use daily, as stated in the instructions.
The first results appeared after 3.5 months. Began to notice the new hair on the bald spot. At first they were thin and soft, then compacted. After 6 months, when the main problem can be solved, I plan to try an analogue. I think it will be possible to maintain the state with the help of a cheaper drug. But I recommend to be treated exclusively with Minoxidil.
Great effect. There is nothing to compare, because I have been fighting alopecia for a long time. Minoxidil does work with regular use. The main thing is not to stop the sessions and make sure that there are no long breaks.
See also: Beautician's review of the effectiveness of the antioxidant "Minoxidil".
The effectiveness of Minoxidil in the treatment of hair loss in men with androgenic alopecia
According to existing scientific research, Minoxidil achieves the greatest degree of effectiveness if a number of factors are observed:
Patient age less than 40 years
The diameter of the focus of androgenic alopecia at the time of initiation of treatment is not more than 10 cm,
The alopecia process began no more than 10 years ago.
The degree of efficacy of a drug directly depends on these three factors. Of course, this does not mean that Minoxidil will not be able to help men with a running process; some effect will be achieved in any case.
If the alopecia process is relatively fresh (started no more than 10 years ago), Minoxidil can stop hair loss. At this stage, a man can choose an alternative option - taking a specialized drug Finasteride. However, it should be noted that Finasteride is much more dangerous than Minoxidil. Finasteride is available in pill form and is aimed at suppressing the synthesis of DHT, and any intervention in the endocrine system can lead to unpredictable consequences. It is preferable to use the drug local action, and this is Minoxidil.
The situation is somewhat more complicated with the question of the restoration of already lost hair. To answer it, you need to refer to the results of scientific research.
According to the data obtained, external use of Minoxidil at 5% concentration results in stopping the alopecia process and increasing the cover density by 10-55% (ie, 4-30 hair per square centimeter) in the first six months of use and up to 15-249% (from 16 up to 84 hairs per square centimeter) in the next six months.
If for one reason or another the use of Minoxidil is undesirable, a man can choose Finasteride, restrict himself with cosmetic measures (wearing a wig) or stop at a hair transplant.
The effectiveness of Minoxidil in the treatment of hair loss in women with androgenic alopecia
Androgenic alopecia in women is extremely rare. In fact, androgenic alopecia in the female is almost a casuistry. However, if a problem exists, apart from Minoxidil, there is no decent and safe replacement in the current market.
As in the case of men, treatment in women should begin as early as possible. If alopecia began not so long ago, use Minoxidil optimally for a year. At the end of the year, you can sum up the first results. If the result of treatment is high enough, you can extend the course for a longer period.
Minoxidil is no less effective in advanced cases. Studies show that the use of the drug in women contributes to stopping the pathological process and increasing the density of hair (13-30% or 20-50 hairs per square centimeter in the first six months of use). The dosage of Minoxidil when used by women should be slightly lower - 2%, otherwise the risk of excessive body hair is high.
How fast will the treatment work?
Treatment of androgenic alopecia with any drug is not a quick process. Need to be patient. With the regular use of Minoxidil therapeutic effect is observed after 3-4 months from the start of treatment. The first hair grown under the influence of the drug may differ in shade and texture from ordinary hair, but after a while the hair will get stronger and will accept their inherent characteristics.
The optimal time to evaluate the result of treatment is a year. A year later, conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of treatment and the prospects for its continuation. As a rule, Minoxidil shows good results in 68-70% of patients. If the patient is satisfied with the result of the treatment, it is possible to extend the course of treatment for another period. Otherwise, you can try other tools.
What means to choose? Is it true that more concentrated products are more effective?
Minoxidil is currently available in various forms. So, you can find lotions with a concentration of 1-5%, sprays, foams at a concentration of 5%. Also, Minoxidil has various trade names and is available under different brands: Minoxidil Kirkland, Alerana, Rogaine.
According to scientific studies, in men, the greatest effectiveness of treatment is achieved when using drugs with the maximum concentration (5%). In lower concentrations, drugs are less effective.
In women, on the contrary, the use of the drug in the maximum concentration is undesirable, since there is an increase in hair growth (including the face), as well as pronounced irritation of the scalp.
Therefore, when choosing a form of Minoxidil, you should adhere to the following recommendations:
For men suffering from androgenic alopecia, the drug is more suitable in the maximum concentration (foam, lotion).
Women, by contrast, are recommended 2% Minoxidil.
On the market there are products of individual firms, designed separately for men and for women.
How to apply Minoxidil?
The effectiveness of the treatment depends on the thoroughness of the instructions for use of the drug. Minoxidil - a drug of exclusively local, topical action. In other words, the medicine affects only those areas of the skin on which it is applied. The concentration of the applied preparation is also important.
The key to achieving a sufficient therapeutic effect is the regular use of medication. In addition, Minoxidil should be applied to the scalp in sufficient quantities. However, over-application should be avoided, otherwise there is a high risk of side effects.
Doctors advise you to follow these tips when using Minoxidil:
Apply the tool to the scalp, and not on the hair itself, namely on the areas affected by baldness (where there is no hair, and where they have just begun to thin).
Each time it is recommended to use no more than 1-2 ml of the product (lotion) or up to half a cap of foam.
The tool should be applied only to dry and healthy scalp, 2 times a day. If the patient was washing his head or taking a shower before applying, the head should be dried first. The tool is gently applied to the skin and rubbed with your fingers.
Immediately after applying Minoxidil, you can not wash your hair. The tool should be left for 1-3 hours.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
To avoid undesirable consequences (for example, so that Minoxidil does not get on your face, do not stain bed linen), you should use it in the evening no later than 1-2 hours before bedtime.
If the product gets into the mouth, eyes, or other mucous membranes, it should be washed off with plenty of running water.
Minoxidil is not recommended to be applied on body parts, except the head. With a large area of exposure there is a risk of diffuse penetration of the drug into the blood, and this is fraught with a sharp decrease in pressure and a number of other side effects. In addition, in other areas, an increase in hairline thickness may be observed.
In no case should not apply Minoxidil on damaged skin. Treatment continues only after complete healing.
Do not combine multiple drugs. Some drugs reduce the effectiveness of Minoxidil itself, while others are incompatible, and this increases the risk of adverse reactions.
The drug should be applied regularly, only in the concentration and in the amount recommended by a specialist or written in the instructions. Irregular use will reduce the effectiveness of treatment, at the same time, excessive application will not contribute to rapid action, but only cause a lot of adverse health effects.
How long should the treatment be continued?
Unfortunately, Minoxidil does not eliminate the root cause of androgenic alopecia, but only absorbs the adverse effect of hormones on the hair follicles. Therefore, at the end of treatment in a fairly short time, hair loss in the affected areas and the progression of baldness are observed. For this reason, Minoxidil must be applied on an ongoing basis. If the patient is not satisfied with the effect of the drug, you can resort to other means.
How safe is prolonged use of Minoxidil medications for treating baldness (hair loss)?
In the course of conducting clinical trials, and then collecting statistical information, data were obtained from people who have been using Minoxidil-based drugs for a long time (from a year or more). As the results of the research showed, no significant side or other harmful effects from the long-term use of the medicine were noticed.
Can I use them during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
As modern studies show, preparations based on this active substance do not adversely affect the children's body during lactation.
On the effect of Minoxidil on the process of fetal development no data. Due to the lack of knowledge of the issue, use of the drug is not recommended for pregnant women.
Increased hair loss at the beginning of treatment
The vast majority of patients (both men and women), at the initial stage of using Minoxidil, faced the opposite effect of the drug. The hair on the affected area began to fall hard. This effect is not worth embarrassment. The thing is that before this inactive hair follicles “get rid” of already grown hair and intensively begin to synthesize new hair structures. Therefore, pay attention to the increased hair loss and do not panic. This is an element of the normal therapeutic process. After some time (from one week to one and a half months), the balding process will stop and the opposite will begin.
Itching and skin irritation
High-concentration Minoxidil preparations (5%), as a rule, quite often cause side effects in the form of itching and irritation of the scalp. The manifestations of irritation in different patients can be varied: redness of the scalp, reduction of the natural protective layer of the scalp, dryness, etc. In extremely rare cases, the intensity of the discomfort is so great as to stop treatment. Often, a similar side effect is observed when wearing wigs in parallel while the medicine is being used.
Hair growth on the face, on the arms, on the legs or on the body
It is not unreasonable that many women are afraid to use a drug like Minoxidil. This drug stimulates the hair follicles in any area where they are present. Therefore, hair growth not only increases on the head, there is also a high risk of increased hair growth of hands, etc.
Preparations based on this active ingredient can actually cause increased hair growth on the face (in the ear, on the temples, cheeks, etc.) and on other parts of the body where the medicine has got. Fortunately, this is a relatively rare side effect and is observed in no more than 5-7% of cases with the use of 2% Minoxidil, and no more than 13% of cases with the use of the drug in the maximum concentration.
Also, at the end of treatment, intensive hair growth stops soon enough (within 4-12 months from the moment of discontinuation of the drug).
The growth of hair on hands, body, legs is observed even less often and occurs in isolated cases of careless use of the drug. In these cases, the unpleasant effect is also temporary and ceases after 3-5 months from the moment of termination of the use of the drug.
Studies have shown that women have the greatest tendency to the manifestation of this side effect, and without that, previously prone to the occurrence of enhanced body hair.
Effect on the cardiovascular system
If the drug is used by a person prone to problems with the cardiovascular system, or uses the drug in a wide area of the body, there is a high risk of diffuse penetration of it into the bloodstream. This is fraught with the development of hypotension, weight gain, deterioration of the excretory system.
Can Minoxidil and Finasteride be used at the same time?
If you believe the profile of clinical studies, in combination, drugs based on Minoxidil and Finasteride give a more pronounced effect of treatment for baldness. Such therapy is categorically not suitable for women, since an increase in the male hormone DHT in a woman’s blood will inevitably entail severe hormonal disruptions.
Men, as already mentioned, also categorically do not recommend too “to get involved” Finasteride. With improper or prolonged use of the drug, malfunctions of the reproductive system are often observed (in particular, hypogonadism, characterized by a decrease in sexual desire, testicular atrophy, erectile dysfunction, and even permanent impotence).
For obvious reasons, it will be much more difficult to eliminate the adverse effects of taking Finasteride, so it is important to strictly adhere to the dosage, evaluate the feasibility of such treatment, after weighing all the risks.
What is Minoxidil
The history of the drug Minoxidil is unusual. Initially, the active ingredient of the drug was developed for the treatment of gastric ulcers. Later, the drug was used to lower blood pressure. When using the drug by patients, activation of hair growth was noted. This feature of the drug was noted as a side effect. Pharmacology has not missed this feature of the drug. Minoxidil for hair is used to stop hair loss, enhance hair growth at different stages of alopecia.
Composition and release form
Minoxidil is a white powder in the form of small crystals, which dissolves well in water, alcohol, propylene glycol. The powder does not dissolve in ethyl acetate, acetone, chloroform. It is the main component of the drug for hair Minoxidil. In addition, the medicinal solution contains propylene glycol, ethyl alcohol and distilled water.
The action of other active ingredients is aimed at enhancing the action of Minoxidil. Water is the solvent and the main filler of the drug mixture. To improve the absorption of the active substance by the skin, propylene glycol is used, it is a solvent with a low degree of toxicity. To enhance the effectiveness of the solution in the composition is ethyl alcohol. Additionally, it acts as a preservative, solvent and antiseptic.
The drug is available in the form of solutions with a concentration of the active substance of 2 or 5%. Among patients no less popular form of lotion for external use. The drug is available in tablets. On the basis of Minoxidil, there are many tools for baldness. The active substance is in shampoos and sprays. The effectiveness of the drug does not depend on the form of release. The price of drugs with minoxidil available.
pharmachologic effect
In medical practice, the drug Minoxidil has been used for more than thirty years, but the mechanism of its stimulating effect on the hair follicles is not completely clear. The tool does not have a direct impact on hair growth, its action is aimed at stimulating growth through the activation of hair papilla cells and improving its blood circulation due to vasodilating action.
Numerous studies confirm the maximum effectiveness of the drug in comparison with other hair growth stimulants. Its action is complex and combines the mechanisms of action of other medicinal stimulants. Under the action of the drug, the number of hair follicles increases, hair loss stops, there is an effect of increasing the growth of healthy hair.
Indications for use
When administered orally in pill form, Minoxidil dilates blood vessels, which helps stabilize blood pressure, improve blood flow, and helps reduce blood pressure on the muscle layer of the heart. When applied topically (applied to the scalp), it activates the microcirculation of blood, stimulates the growth phases of hair follicles, and ensures their rapid transition from the resting phase to the growth phase. Minoxidil is prescribed for diagnosed androgenetic alopecia.
Contraindications
Hair loss has various causes, therefore, it is advisable to use it only in cases related to baldness as a result of disturbed blood concentration of androgens (sex hormones). The use of medication in other cases of hair loss is contraindicated. You can not use the drug solution for individual hypersensitivity to any component.
Do not apply the drug:
- dermatosis of the scalp,
- in violation of the integrity of the skin,
- under the age of 18,
- during pregnancy
- during lactation
- simultaneously with drugs that enhance the protective functions of the skin.
Preparations based on Minoxidil for hair
Minoxidil is not only a medicine, but also an effective cosmetic for increasing the density of hair and strengthening it. Shampoos, balms, in addition to the growth stimulant, contain vitamins, trace elements, they are important for nourishing the hair and scalp. Preparations with Minoxidil for hair are popular in St. Petersburg and Moscow:
Hair becomes thicker and gain a healthy shine, has a protective effect from environmental influences and chemicals in shampoos, balms
Improves the condition of hair for a month, enhances the growth of hair and beard in men, effectively fights baldness
Reduces the formation of a substance that causes hair loss, reduces hair loss and stimulates new hair growth
More effective in the initial stages of baldness or thinning of the scalp
It is used for the treatment of alopecia with lesions on the top of the head in men, along the middle parting in women
Rogaine for women
Effective with diffuse hair loss, hereditary baldness, thinning of hair
Rogaine for men
It is used to treat alopecia of the parietal part of the head, including genetic
Instructions for use Minoxidil hair
The standard procedure for using a medicinal solution for hair restoration involves applying it to the skin 2 times a day, morning and evening. The effectiveness of the drug depends on the concentration of the active substance. 5% solution has a stronger therapeutic effect than 2%. The choice of concentration depends on the stage and degree of development of the disease.
On the skin, the medicinal substance should be 3-4 hours after application, the product should be completely absorbed. The therapeutic solution has another important feature - it should be applied until the effect achieved is stable, until it is fully consolidated. Otherwise, hair loss may occur again in the next few months.
For beard
For a thick, beautiful beard, it is better for men to use dosage forms with an active substance concentration of 5%, 10%, 15%. Using a solution with a concentration of 2% is inefficient. The therapeutic effect of the ointment is significantly inferior to lotions and solutions. The visible effect is observed not earlier than after 3 months of use of the drug, in some cases after 6 months. It depends on the individual characteristics of the organism. After 2-3 months, you need to take a break in 2 weeks and continue using the product until the desired effect is achieved.
The sequence of actions to improve beard growth is as follows:
- cleanse the skin from dirt,
- apply the product to dry skin,
- rub in light massaging movements
- apply a greater amount of lotion on problem areas,
- give the medication completely absorbed,
- wash hands after the procedure.
For hair growth
Apply a drug (for example, Minoxidil lotion) to stimulate hair growth 1 time per day before bedtime. The choice of a solution with a minoxidil concentration of 2% is the best option. Apply 1 ml of the solution to the scalp and massage with a rubbing agent. It is advisable to use the drug daily and do not skip the procedure. It is not advisable to compensate for the missed procedure by increasing the frequency of use or volume of the drug.
For hair loss (alopecia treatment)
For the treatment of androgenic alopecia, there are Minoxidil preparations for men and for women, but there are general principles for their use:
- Start using the drug is better at the first symptoms of the disease.
- The concentration of the substance determines the frequency of application of the drug on the skin (1-2 times).
- The dosage per reception is determined by the manufacturer, if the instruction recommends the use of 1 ml of the substance, it is not worth increasing the volume. This will not accelerate or improve the results of therapy, but may lead to the development of negative allergic reactions.
- Minoxidil should be applied directly to areas of baldness with finger pads with soft rubbing movements. It is advisable to avoid contact with other areas of the skin and mucous membranes.
- The drug does not have a prolonged action. It does not eliminate the root cause of hair loss, but has a stimulating effect. Therefore, with significant breaks between treatment and prophylactic courses, the achieved effect disappears and bald patches can appear.
- The first results appear after 4-5 months.
Therapy for alopecia in women is somewhat different. Minoxidil for women is recommended to be used in 2% concentration, more concentrated product is used only in some cases. The female body is more sensitive to the action of the drug. Apply the product should be carefully and carefully, to avoid contact with other areas of the skin, especially on the face. When applying for the night before bedtime, it is recommended to wear a special “breathing” cap so that the drug is absorbed into the scalp and does not get on the bedding.
Minoxidil price
Buy or order Minoxidil in a pharmacy is not difficult. Selling without a prescription. The effectiveness of the drug is time tested, so for many patients who have achieved positive results, the question of how much Minoxidil costs is not critical. The cost of funds in the online store is lower and more available, it can be ordered by mail. The price of the drug depends on the manufacturers, the pharmacological form, the concentration of the active substance, the capacity of the vial:
