Minoxidil (Topical)

​​This is topical minoxidil. It comes as:

• 2% - 5% scalp lotion
• 5% foam

​​Minoxidil is applied to the scalp to stimulate hair growth and to slow balding. Minoxidil thickens hair strands and prolongs the growing phase of the hair.

The improvement rate varies from person to person. For male or female pattern hair loss, if hair growth is going to occur with the use of minoxidil, it usually occurs after the medicine has been used for at least 3 to 6 months and lasts only as long as the medicine continues to be used. Hair loss will begin again within a few months after minoxidil treatment is stopped.

• Apply minoxidil when hair and scalp are clean and dry.
• ​Minoxidil may be applied to hair without regard to shampooing. However, if you do wash your hair, a hair dryer with cool setting may be used to dry your hair after you have washed it.
• Massage 1ml of the product lightly into the affected area of the scalp twice a day (morning and night), or as directed by your doctor.
• It is important that the recommended dosage is followed. Using an increased dose would increase the risk of side effects but not improve hair growth.
• Immediately after using this medicine, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
• Allow 2 to 4 hours for the drug to penetrate the scalp for maximum effectiveness. Avoid any activities that may dilute or wash away the drug (i.e. bathing, swimming) during this period.
• Do not use a hair-dryer to dry the scalp after you apply minoxidil. Blowing with a hairdryer on the scalp may make the treatment less effective.
• Allow minoxidil to dry completely before using other styling products (e.g., gels, mousse) or before going to bed.
• Minoxidil can stain clothing or bed linen if your hair or scalp is not fully dry after using the medicine.

​​Apply it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next application, skip the missed application and resume your normal schedule. Do not apply more of it to make up for the missed dose as it could result in irritation.​

Certain side effects of this medicine are not unusual and may even disappear during treatment. If any of the following effects persist or are severe, consult your doctor.

Rarely, minoxidil can be absorbed through the skin and cause side effects. Stop using the medicine and inform your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

• Chest pain
• ​​Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fast/irregular heartbeat
• Headache
• Swelling of hands/feet
• Unusual weight gain

• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, intending to conceive or are breastfeeding. The safety of minoxidil use in pregnancy is unknown.
• Patients with heart diseases and/or hypertension should be under medical supervision while using minoxidil.
• Patients below 18 years old or over 65 years, patients with known hypersensitivity to minoxidil, propylene glycol or ethanol (alcohol) should consult the doctor before using minoxidil.
• Patients with inflamed, irritated, infected or sunburned scalp should have their scalp condition treated prior to minoxidil use.
• Do not use any other preparations on the same skin area on which you use minoxidil unless directed by your doctor.
• Hair products like coloring, hair permanents, and hair relaxers may be used during minoxidil therapy as long as the scalp is washed just before applying the hair product. You may still continue to dye or perm your hair but it is advisable to stop using minoxidil for at least 24 hours before and after the hair treatment process.
• Minoxidil is for use on the scalp only. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, ears, nose or broken or irritated skin. If you should accidentally get some in your eyes, nose, or mouth, flush the area thoroughly with cool tap water. If you are using the pump spray, be careful not to breathe in the spray.

Keep this away from heat and direct sunlight in a cool dry area, out of reach of children.​