Generality
Distributed in the scalp in the form of foam or lotion, minoxidil is used with some success to counteract hair loss; taken orally, the drug exerts instead a powerful antihypertensive action.
Minoxidil and Hair
The possible utility of minoxidil against hair loss was glimpsed as early as the late 1970s, when the first episodes of hypertrichosis were reported following antihypertensive treatment. This side effect was also appreciated in the years to come, following the various reports of the reversibility of alopecia during treatment with minoxidil.
Partially positive experimental results have led the FDA to include minoxidil in the very limited group of drugs indicated for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
Unlike finasteride, minoxidil does not counteract the endocrine causes of baldness; for this reason it is less effective when the problem is particularly pronounced, but in return the side effects are limited.
Action mechanism
While the mechanism of action by which minoxidil exerts its antihypertensive action is well known, the exact way in which it performs its anti-falling action is not known.
Taken orally (orally), minoxidil decreases blood pressure favoring dilation of blood vessels. On the other hand, the stimulatory effect on hair growth when used topically is less clear. Despite this, it is assumed that minoxidil is able to influence the life cycle of the hair by prolonging the anagen phase.
Mode of use
To combat hair loss, minoxidil must be used topically. For this purpose, minoxidil-based products are formulated in the form of solutions or foams to be applied directly to the scalp. The concentration of active ingredient within these products can be 2% or 5%.
Depending on the product you are using, the frequency of applications and the amount of substance to be applied may vary.
However, in general, minoxidil must be distributed evenly over the affected area twice a day for at least 4 months. In fact, the results of treatment with minoxidil, are visible only after this period of time.
As a result, however, it is possible to switch to a "maintenance" therapy based on the decrease in the number of applications or the daily dosage. The important thing in this regard is to respect the indications of the pharmacist or dermatologist regarding doses, duration and method of employment.
Effectiveness and Results
Unfortunately, minoxidil is not always able to lead to the results so much hoped for, since not everyone responds positively to his treatment.
In particular, the chances of success are lower for the elderly and for patients whose baldness is particularly marked or present for a long time.
However, experimental data indicate that the drug works in a good percentage of cases (around 50% depending on the studies examined).
More in detail, in the subjects who respond to the treatment a gradual and progressive increase in the diameter and length of the hair is observed, with arrest of the fall and sometimes a regrowth (at least temporary) of the same.
Several experimental studies have shown that minoxidil is more effective in the vertex region than in the frontal region, particularly when the affected area has intermediate hairs.
However, any eventual success is still subject to the regular and constant application that must be carried out every day for a minimum of 3-4 months.
In fact, if the treatment is stopped abruptly, there is a rapid accentuation of the problem and within a few months the situation before the treatment returns. In this sense, the great disadvantage of minoxidil is represented by the fact that the results obtained with it are not permanent, but only temporary.
Warnings
Under no circumstances should you use minoxidil amounts higher than those recommended or increase the frequency of use. These behaviors can, in fact, increase the amount of medicine absorbed and favor the appearance of side effects, which become more likely in the event of prolonged use or exceeding the recommended doses.
Furthermore, patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases, even minor ones, must necessarily inform their doctor before using minoxidil topically for hair loss.
Side effects
Like any other drug, minoxidil can also cause a number of more or less serious side effects.
The episodes of contact dermatitis of an allergic nature are quite frequent, with the appearance of itching, dryness and scaling of the scalp. This undesirable effect can occur at the doses commonly used and generally requires interruption of treatment.
Other side effects caused by the use of topical minoxidil consist of:
- Skin irritations;
- Itch;
- Contact dermatitis;
- Dryness of the scalp;
- Increased flaking.
Furthermore, the solutions of minoxidil based on ethanol and propylene glycol tend to leave an annoying "greasy effect" on the hair.
Finally - being alcohol-based - minoxidil-based lotions can irritate the eyes. In case of accidental contact with sensitive areas, the exposed region must be carefully washed with fresh water.
Overdose
The most commonly reported side effects in case of excessive absorption include headache, swelling in the extremities, weakness, dizziness, hypotension and arrhythmias (great care must be taken in patients affected by heart disease).
An overdose of minoxidil can occur in the case of injured skin (due to, for example, a sunburn), or in the case of using higher doses than those recommended and / or in case of an increase in the frequency of drug applications.
Contraindications
Minoxidil lotion or foam is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation, due to the lack of studies certifying its safety in these circumstances.
The use of minoxidil is also contraindicated in patients with known allergy to the same active ingredient.
Finally, the use of minoxidil - even if topically - is generally contraindicated in patients suffering from coronary heart disease, valvular disease, arrhythmias and / or congestive heart failure.
For more information on the use of minoxidil to strengthen hair, read the package leaflets for: MINOXIMEN ® and ALOXIDIL ®.
See also: LONITEN - minoxidil and high blood pressure.
