Minoxidil

Minoxidil is excellent for controlling hair loss and in some cases also promotes hair growth. After starting treatment with minoxidil, a hair-loss sufferer will almost definitely control any loss of hair within a maximum period of 6 weeks. After 3 months of continuous use, new hair is likely to start growing between the fourth and sixth month. Hair also appears thicker and fuller.

In the unlikely event that after using minoxidil for 6 months no progress has been achieved, treatment should be discontinued. If, however, minoxidil has given the desired results, its use must be continued in order to retain the benefits achieved. Discontinuation of treatment will result in the gradual loss of all regrown hair.

Warnings and Side Effects

• Do not exceed the stated dose.
  
  
• Do not use minoxidil lotion if the skin of the area to be treated is inflamed or abraded, as in severe sunburn, infections, cuts or psoriasis.
  
  
• Minoxidil in concentrations higher than 2 percent might cause the growth of facial hair in women. The most commonly reported side effect is itchy scalp and allergic reactions. Alcohol present in topical preparations may dry the scalp, resulting in dandruff. In some cases minoxidil may initially cause an increase in hair loss before regrowing the lost and new hair.
  
  

Other possible side effects include:

• Hyperprolactinemia, a disorder related to prolactin levels
• acne on the area treated
• headaches and/or lightheadedness
• very low blood pressure
• irregular or fast heart beat
• blurred vision or other vision problems
• numbness or tingling in the hands, feet or face
• decreased sexual desire
• partial or complete impotence
• chest pain

All the above side effects are rare. It has also been found that minoxidil can be passed from mother to child via breastmilk.

Minoxidil with Additives

Minoxidil is formulated by our pharmacists in strengths ranging from 2 to 6 percent. The effect of minoxidil may be enhanced by the following additives:

• Saw palmetto: A herbal product used by American Indians as a general tonic and to encourage appetite and normal weight gain. The fat soluble extract of saw palmetto has been shown to inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha reductase thereby reducing the formation of DHT.
  
  
• Retin-A: When used in conjunction with topical minoxidil, the exfoliatory properties of Retin A may enhance penetration of minoxidil into the follicles.
  
  
• Finasteride: Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase (5-AR) inhibitor known to halt hair loss.
  
  
• Azelaic acid: Studies have shown that azelaic acid may function as a DHT inhibitor and may work synergistically with minoxidil to stimulate hair regrowth while halting further hair loss.
  
  
• Azelaic acid, zinc, vitamin B6 and grape seed extract: Azelaic acid when used in conjunction with topical zinc and vitamin B6 can inhibit up to 90 percent of DHT in human skin.
  
  
• Nicotinate: Nicotinate is a blood vessel dilator that may enhance the penetration and potency of minoxidil.
  
  
• Progesterone: Progesterone is a female hormone added in very small quantities to neutralise the local action of DHT. Very few studies have been conducted on the effect of topical progesterone on hair loss, but some people think the hormone may be beneficial for treating female-pattern baldness.