Rogaine: Uses, Side Effects & Reviews - Drugs.com Rogaine Generic Name: minoxidil topical (mi NOX i dil) Brand Names: Rogaine Support Group Q & A What is Rogaine? Rogaine (minoxidil) is used to help you regrow hair on your scalp. The exact way that minoxidil works is not known. It is possible that it dilates blood vessels in the scalp, which may improve hair follicle function and stimulate hair growth. Rogaine will not cause permanent regrowth of scalp hair. You must continue using the product to keep the regrowth of your hair. Important information Do not use Rogaine if the skin on your scalp is damaged, irritated, or sunburned. This may allow more of the medication to be absorbed by your body, which could be dangerous. Slideshow Insomnia and Sleep Deprivation: The Case For A Good Night's Sleep Do not use Rogaine on any part of your body other than your scalp. Application to other body parts can be dangerous. Do not use other topical products on your scalp during treatment with Rogaine, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Before taking this medicine Do not use Rogaine if the skin on your scalp is red, swollen, irritated, or infected. This may allow more of the medication to be absorbed by your body, which could be dangerous. Check the medicine label carefully to make sure Rogaine will treat your specific type of hair loss. Use only the Rogaine formula that is made for your gender. Women should not use minoxidil products that are made specifically for men. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially: heart disease. FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Rogaine will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant. It is not known whether minoxidil topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Rogaine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not use Rogaine on anyone under 18 years old without medical advice. How should I use Rogaine? Use Rogaine exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed in the package labeling. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Using more of this medicine than recommended will not speed up hair growth, and may cause dangerous side effects. This medicine comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Dry your hair and scalp before applying Rogaine. Apply the recommended amount to the affected areas of the scalp. Rogaine is usually applied twice daily, in the morning and at night. Wash your hands after applying Rogaine. Use Rogaine only on your scalp. Do not use on any other part of your body. It may take up to 4 months or longer before you notice new hair growth. New hair may be soft, colorless, and barely visible. With further treatment, the hair should begin to have the same color and thickness as your existing hair. Talk to your doctor if you do not see any hair growth after 4 months of treatment. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the foam canister away from open flame or high heat, such as in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty canister.

Rogaine dosing information Usual Adult Dose for Alopecia: Solution: Apply 1 mL topically to the affected area(s) of the scalp twice a day. The dose should not exceed 2 mL per day. Foam: See also: Dosage Information (in more detail) What happens if I miss a dose? Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose. What happens if I overdose? An overdose of Rogaine is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication. What should I avoid while using Rogaine? Avoid getting this medicine in the eyes, nose, or mouth. If this occurs, rinse the area with water. Avoid using other skin products on the areas you treat with Rogaine, unless your doctor tells you to. Rogaine side effects Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Rogaine: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although the risk of serious side effects is low when Rogaine is applied to the skin, side effects can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream. Call your doctor at once if you have: severe scalp irritation; unwanted growth of facial hair; chest pain, fast heartbeats; swelling in your hands or feet, rapid weight gain; a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; headache, dizziness, confusion; or flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling). Common Rogaine side effects may include: changes in the color or texture of your hair. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. See also: Side effects (in more detail) What other drugs will affect Rogaine? It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied minoxidil. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Rogaine. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient.

Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Copyright 1996-2017 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.01. Revision Date: 2014-09-12, 2:21:22 PM. Drug Status Minoxidil | definition of minoxidil by Medical dictionary Minoxidil | definition of minoxidil by Medical dictionary Related to minoxidil: Rogaine , finasteride Minoxidil Definition Minoxidil is a drug available in two forms to treat different conditions. Oral minoxidil is used to treat high blood pressure and the topical solution form is used to treat hair loss and baldness. Purpose Minoxidil was the first drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (hair loss).

Before that, minoxidil had been used as vasodilator drug prescribed as oral tablet to treat high blood pressure, with side effects that included hair growth and reversal of male baldness. In the 1980s, UpJohn Corporation came out with a topical solution of 2% minoxidil, called Rogaine, for the specific treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Since the 1990s, numerous generic forms of minoxidil have become available to treat hair loss while the oral form is still used to treat high blood pressure. The popularity hair loss treatment is due to the general preference in the overall population for the cosmetic appearance of a full head of hair. Minoxidil is used to stimulate hair growth in areas of the scalp that have stopped growing hair. As of early 2001, the exact mechanism of action of minoxidil is not known. Precautions People who have had a prior unusual or allergic reaction to either minoxidil or propylene glycol, a non-active chemical in the Rogaine solution, should not use topical minoxidil. People who have had a previous allergic reaction to preservatives or dyes may also be at risk for having an allergic reaction to minoxidil.

People who are using cortisone, or cortisone-like drugs ( corticosteroids ), petroleum jelly (Vaseline), or tretinoin (Retin-A) on their scalps should consult their doctors prior to using minoxidil. The use of any of these products in conjunction with minoxidil may cause excessive minoxidil absorption into the body and increase the risk of side effects. Also, people who have skin problems or irritations of the scalp, including sunburn , may absorb too much minoxidil and increase their risk of side effects. As for oral minoxidil, the form prescribed for high blood pressure, patients should use minoxidil only under medical supervision to ensure that excessive amounts of the drug are not absorbed into their bodies. Large amounts of minoxidil may increase the severity of the symptoms and side effects of hypertension . Minoxidil may pass from mother to child through breast milk. Therefore, women who are breastfeeding should not use minoxidil. Description For the treatment of hair loss, minoxidil is available as a topical solution that is generally either 2% or 5% minoxidil in propylene glycol.

The propylene glycol ensures that the applied minoxidil is evenly spread across the affected area and easily absorbed through the skin. As of early 2001, the 5% solution is only approved by the FDA for use on men. Approximately 1 milliliter of minoxidil solution is applied to the scalp once a day using the fingertips or a pump spray. It should be applied from the center of the area being treated outward. In the treatment of high blood pressure, oral minoxidil is usually prescribed when other medications have failed to treat the condition. Dosage is usually 2.5-100 mg per day as a single dose for adults and 200 micrograms to 1 mg per kg of body weight for children. Preparation Before using topical minoxidil, the hair and scalp should be clean and dry before the minoxidil solution is applied. Aftercare Hands, and any other areas of the body where hair growth is not desired that may have come into contact with topical minoxidil, should be washed immediately after applying the minoxidil solution on the scalp.

Once applied, topical minoxidil should be allowed to air-dry for at least two to four hours before clothing are pulled on or off over the head, a hat is worn, or the patient goes to bed. Prior to this, the minoxidil solution may stain clothing, hats, or bed linens; or, it may be accidentally transferred from the patient's head to one of these objects, then back to other parts of the patient's body where hair growth is not desired. A blow dryer, or other drying methods, should not be used to speed the drying of the minoxidil as this may interfere with the absorption of the medicine. People using minoxidil should also not shampoo, wash, or rinse their hair for at least 4 hours after minoxidil is applied. Risks The most common side effects of topical minoxidil use are itching and skin irritation of the treated area of the scalp. Unwanted hair growth may also occur adjacent to treated areas or in areas where the medicine has been inadvertently transferred several times. This unwanted hair growth adjacent to the treatment area may be particularly distressing to women when the face is involved. The itching and irritation usually subside after the drug has been used for approximately two weeks.

If symptoms persist after this time, minoxidil use should be halted until a physician has been consulted. Extremely rare side effects that may occur if too much topically or orally administered minoxidil is being absorbed in the body include: changes in vision, most commonly blurred vision chest pain numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or face partial, or complete, impotence swelling of the hands, feet, lower legs, or face Normal results Topical minoxidil is much more effective at treating baldness that occurs on the top, or crown, of the head than it is at causing hair growth on other parts of the head. Minoxidil does not work for everyone and there is no predictor, in early 2001, of whether or not it will be effective in any particular person. Clinical tests on the effectiveness of topical minoxidil in men with baldness on the top of the head showed that 48% of men who had used minoxidil for one year reported moderate to dense re-growth of hair within the treated area. Thirty-six percent reported minimal re-growth. While 16% reported no re-growth. Similar percentages have been reported in women.

In both men and women, hair re-growth generally does not begin until the medicine has been used for at least four months. The first signs that minoxidil may be effective in a particular person usually occur after approximately 90 days of treatment, when the patient notices that he or she is losing (shedding) much less hair than prior to beginning treatment. When new growth begins, the first hairs may be soft and barely visible. For some patients, this is the extent to the effectiveness of this medication. For others, this down-like hair develops into hair of the same color and thickness as the other hairs on their heads. Minoxidil is a treatment for hair loss, it is not a cure. Once a patient stops taking minoxidil, he or she will most likely lose all of the re-grown hair within 90 days of stopping the medication and no further hair growth will occur. Resources Bowser, Andrew. "Treatments Abound for Female Hair Loss." Dermatology Times June 1999. Scow, Dean Thomas. "Medical Treatments for Balding in Men." American Family Physician April 15, 1999. Organizations American Academy of Dermatology. 930 N.

Meacham Road, PO Box 4014, Schaumburg, IL 60168-4014. (847) 330-0230. Fax: 847-330-0050. American Hair Loss Council. 30 Grassy Plain Road, Bethel, CT 06801. (888) 873-9719. Key terms Androgenetic alopecia — Hair loss that develops into baldness and affects both men and women. Hypertension — Persistently high arterial blood pressure. Scalp — That part of the head that is usually covered with hair. Topical drug — Drug or medication applied to a specific area of the skin and affecting only the area to which it is applied. Vasodilation — The increase in the diameter of a blood vessel resulting from relaxation of smooth muscle within the wall of the vessel. Vasodilation activates the blood flow. Vasodilators — Drugs or substances that cause vasodilation.

minoxidil [mi-noks´ĭ-dil] a potent, long-acting vasodilator , acting primarily on arterioles; administered orally as an antihypertensive agent and topically in treatment of androgenetic alopecia . minoxidil • Instruct patient to take oral form with meals to decrease GI upset. • Advise patient to weigh himself daily and report sudden gains. • Tell patient taking oral form that drug may darken, lengthen, and thicken body hair. Tell him to shave or use depilatory to reduce unwanted hair growth. Reassure him that unwanted growth will disappear 1 to 6 months after he stops taking drug. ☞ Instruct patient to immediately report difficulty breathing (especially when lying down) or pain in chest, arm, or shoulder. • Teach patient how to use topical form. Urge him to read package insert carefully. • Caution patient not to use topical form on other body parts and not to let it contact mucous membranes. • Tell patient using topical form that new scalp hair will be soft and barely visible. Caution him to use only 1 ml twice daily, regardless of amount of balding.

Remind him not to stop using drug suddenly, because new hair growth will be lost. • As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs and tests mentioned above. minoxidil /mi·nox·i·dil/ (mĭ-nok´sĭ-dil) a potent, long-acting vasodilator acting primarily on arterioles; used as an antihypertensive , also applied topically in androgenetic alopecia . minoxidil (mə-nŏk′sĭ-dĭl′) n. A vasodilator, C9H15N5O, administered orally for the treatment of severe hypertension and used topically to promote the regrowth of hair in male and female pattern baldness. minoxidil [mīnok′sidil] a vasodilator. indications It is prescribed in the treatment of severe refractory hypertension and as a topical solution for the treatment of androgenic alopecia in both males and females. contraindications Pheochromocytoma, acute myocardial infarctions, dissecting aortic aneurysm, or known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use.

adverse effects Among the most serious adverse effects are tachycardia, pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, salt and water retention, and excessive hair growth. GI disturbances also may occur. minoxidil Rogaine® Hairology An agent first used as vasodilator and potassium channel opener in Pts with severe HTN, now used for androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, congenital hypotrichosis, loose anagen syndrome Adverse effects Sodium & water retention, pericardial effusion, hypertrichosis, hirsutism. See Hair , Hair replacement . Cf Terminal hair. minoxidil A VASODILATOR drug used in the treatment of high blood pressure ( HYPERTENSION ). Used externally on the scalp, the drug has a somewhat exaggerated reputation as a hair-restorer and must be used continuously if any advantage gained is to be retained. A brand name is Loniten and, for external use to restore hair, Regaine or Rogaine. minoxidil Rogaine - Side Effects, Dosage, Interactions | Everyday Health Rogaine What is Rogaine (Minoxidil Topical)?

3 Stars 3 Reviews Rogaine is the brand name for topical minoxidil. People with thinning hair or male pattern baldness use Rogaine to slow hair loss and stimulate hair growth. Minoxidil was first developed to treat high blood pressure , but people taking the medication reported an unusual side effect: Hair began to grow on various parts of their bodies. Researchers began to study the effect of applying a minoxidil solution directly on the scalp. They found daily use slowed hair loss and produced some new hair growth. Rogaine, which is minoxidil in solution, was first marketed as a topical prescription drug and is now available over-the-counter (OTC). No one's really quite sure how it works, but some scientists think that Rogaine causes hair growth by shortening the resting phase of the hair follicle during its life cycle The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved prescription 2 percent minoxidil topical solution for hair loss in men in 1988 and for women in 1992. Later, it was approved for over-the-counter (OTC) use in both 2 percent and 5 percent strengths. Johnson & Johnson manufactures the products.

Rogaine for Women Many different factors cause hair loss or thinning in women, including thyroid conditions, hormone changes with age and other hormonal disturbances, and reactions to certain medications. Once your doctor determines the cause of your hair loss, you can work together to figure out which treatment options will work best for your situation. If you're hair is thinning, make an appointment with your doctor to find out what's causing your hair loss before using Rogaine. You may have an underlying health condition that, when identified and corrected, may reverse your hair loss. Rogaine for Facial Hair and Beards There are anecdotal reports that when applied to facial skin, Rogaine encourages growth of facial hair. However, Rogaine is not approved for this use, and there are no studies showing it's effective for beard growth. Rogaine Warnings You shouldn't take Rogaine if you're allergic to minoxidil or any other ingredients found in the medication. Avoid applying Rogaine to irritated areas of the your scalp. If you have kidney problems, ask your doctor if Rogaine is safe for you to take. Pregnancy and Rogaine Rogaine may not be safe for a developing baby.

Most doctors, however, consider Rogaine safe to use while breastfeeding your baby. Talk to your doctor before using Rogaine if you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Minoxidil Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information Brand names Why is this medication prescribed? Minoxidil is used to stimulate hair growth and to slow balding. It is most effective for people under 40 years of age whose hair loss is recent. Minoxidil has no effect on receding hairlines. It does not cure baldness; most new hair is lost within a few months after the drug is stopped. How should this medicine be used? Minoxidil comes as a liquid to be applied to your scalp. Minoxidil usually is used twice a day. Follow the directions on your package or prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use minoxidil exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than directed by your doctor. Exceeding the recommended dosage does not produce greater or faster hair growth and may cause increased side effects.

You must use minoxidil for at least 4 months, and possibly for up to 1 year, before you see any effect. Three special applicators are provided: a metered-spray applicator for large scalp areas, an extender spray applicator (used with the metered-spray applicator) for small areas or under the hair, and a rub-on applicator. Remove the outer and inner caps from the bottle, choose an applicator, and screw it tightly onto the bottle. To use the extender spray applicator, first assemble the metered-spray applicator and then follow the instructions provided to attach the extender spray applicator. Pump the metered-spray or extender spray applicator six times for each dose. Try not to inhale the mist. Place the large cap on the metered-spray bottle or the small cap on the extender spray nozzle when not in use. To use the rub-on applicator, hold the bottle upright and squeeze it until the upper chamber of the applicator is filled to the black line. Then turn the bottle upside down and rub on the medication. Place the large cap on the bottle when not in use.

If you use your fingertips to apply the medication, wash them thoroughly afterwards. Apply minoxidil to dry hair and scalp only. Do not apply it to other body areas, and keep it away from your eyes and sensitive skin. If it accidentally comes in contact with these areas, wash them with lots of cool water; call your doctor if they become irritated. Do not apply minoxidil to a sunburned or irritated scalp. What special precautions should I follow? Before using minoxidil, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to minoxidil or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially guanethidine (Ismelin), other medications for high blood pressure, and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, liver, or scalp disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using minoxidil, call your doctor. plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Minoxidil may make your skin sensitive to sunlight. What should I do if I forget a dose?

Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. What side effects can this medication cause? Minoxidil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: scalp itching, dryness, scaling, flaking, irritation, or burning If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: weight gain swelling of the face, ankles, hands, or stomach difficulty breathing (especially when lying down) rapid heartbeat chest pain lightheadedness If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( ) or by phone (1-800-332-1088). What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication? Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication. What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Minoxidil is for external use only. Do not let minoxidil get into your eyes, nose, or mouth, and do not swallow it. Do not apply dressings, bandages, cosmetics, lotions, or other skin medications to the area being treated unless your doctor tells you. Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. Treating Women's Hair Loss: Rogaine, Medications, Estrogen, and More Cimetidine ( Tagamet ) Cimetidine, brand name Tagamet, belongs to a class of histamine blockers used mainly to treat gastrointestinal ulcers. The histamine-blocking action prevents the stomach from producing excess acid, allowing the body to heal the ulcer.

Cimetidine also has a fairly powerful anti-androgenic effect and has been shown to block dihydrotestosterone from binding the follicle receptor sites. Cimetidine has been used to treat excess facial hair growth ( hirsutism ) in women and has shown promising results in studies of women with androgenic alopecia. High doses are needed to achieve results, so men should not take cimetidine to treat their hair loss due to possible feminizing effects, including adverse sexual side effects. Cyproterone Acetate Cyproterone acetate is used to reduce excessive sex drive in men and to treat pronounced sexual aggression. It is also prescribed for severe hirsutism in woman of childbearing age and for androgenetic alopecia in women. Cyproterone acetate exerts its effects by blocking the binding of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to its receptors. Cyproterone acetate is not available in the U.S. Doctors consider it one of the last resorts for treating female pattern hair loss because of its possible toxicity and long-term side effects. As with any drug, side effects other than those listed on the package may occur. Contact your doctor if you notice a side effect that is unusual or particularly bothersome.

Estrogen and Progesterone Estrogen and progesterone pills and creams may be an effective treatment for women with androgenetic alopecia who are going through menopause or whose estrogen and/or progesterone are lacking for other reasons. Continued Oral Contraceptives Since birth control pills decrease the production of ovarian androgens, they can be used to treat women's androgenetic alopecia. Keep in mind, however, that the same cautions must be followed whether a woman takes contraceptive pills solely to prevent contraception or to treat female pattern baldness. For example, smokers age 35 and older who take the Pill are at higher risk for blood clots and other serious conditions. Discuss your medical and lifestyle history thoroughly with your doctor. Contraceptive pills come in various hormonal formulations, and your doctor can determine which is right for your specific needs, switching pills if necessary until you are physically and emotionally comfortable with the formulation. Only low-androgen index birth control pills should be used to treat hair loss. High androgen index birth control pills may contribute to hair loss by triggering it or enabling it once it has been caused by something else. See Causes for more information about oral contraceptives and hair loss.

Ketoconazole (Nizoral) Available as a topical treatment by prescription, ketoconazole is currently used to treat fungal infections. It curbs the production of testosterone and other androgens by the adrenal gland and reproductive organs (in women, the ovaries). These anti-androgenic effects can be used to help treat hair loss. Nizoral shampoo contains 2% ketoconazole and is prescribed not only for the treatment of scalp conditions, but also in combination with other treatments for androgenetic alopecia. A 1% version is now available over-the-counter, but it may not be as effective as the 2% prescription strength. There are no significant side effects. Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) The drug finasteride inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha reductase in the hair follicle, thereby inhibiting the production of follicle-harming dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT shrinks hair follicles and makes it difficult for healthy hair to survive. Finasteride was first marketed under the brand name Proscar to treat the prostate gland . It was available in 5 mg pills.

In 1998, a 1 mg version with the brand name Propecia entered the market as the first pill approved by the FDA for men's hair loss. It works quite well to prevent hair loss and trigger regrowth for most men, and it may work for some women, although women must not take it if they are pregnant . Also, women should not get pregnant while on the drug because of the risk of birth defects in a male infant . Less than 2% of men have transient sexual side effects, including erectile and libido difficulties, while taking finasteride. However, in women these side effects do not occur. Continued Cyproterone Acetate with Ethinyloestradiol (Diane 35, Diane 50) Sold under the brand names Diane 35 and Diane 50, these contraceptive tablets are prescribed in Europe for women's androgenetic alopecia. Currently, both versions of this contraceptive are not available in the U.S. The drug is a combination of cyproterone and estradiol , an estrogen. Both Diane 35 and Diane 50 contain 2 mg of cyproterone.

Diane 35 contains 0.035 mg of estradiol, while Diane 50 contains 0.050 mg. They work by blocking some of the actions of male hormones commonly present in women. Although it's possible for the drug to stop further hair loss and trigger regrowth of hair within about a year, it needs to be used on an ongoing basis to maintain regrowth and eliminate hair loss. Possible side effects include breast tenderness, headaches , and decreased libido. Published on March 1, 2010 WebMD Medical Reference from the American Hair Loss Association ©2010 American Hair Loss Association. All rights reserved Pagination Minoxidil Review | FDA-Approved Treatment For Hair Loss Minoxidil – FDA-Approved Treatment For Balding Minoxidil – FDA-Approved Treatment For Balding 0 Minoxidil Review Minoxidil is an FDA-approved treatment for balding. It’s clinically proven to stimulate hair growth and slow balding. Here’s everything you need to know about using minoxidil to prevent balding. What is Minoxidil? Minoxidil is a topical anti-balding treatment applied to the scalp.

It’s the active ingredient in Rogaine and can be found in many other balding treatments, where it’s used by both men and women. As MayoClinic.org reports , we don’t really know how minoxidil works. We just know that it does work in clinical trials and has repeatedly indicated its effectiveness: “The exact way that this medicine works is not known.” Typically, minoxidil takes a few months to begin to take effect. The treatment will also only work for as long as you’re taking minoxidil: after you stop applying it, your hair loss will continue within a few months. The medicine is available without a prescription. You can find it in the form of a liquid solution or as a foam. How to Use Minoxidil Using minoxidil is relatively straightforward. Always use it as directed on the product packaging. Avoid applying the medicine to other parts of your body, as it may be absorbed into your blood vessels and cause unwanted effects.

To apply minoxidil, follow these tips: — Make sure your hair and scalp are completely dry before applying — Apply the amount to the targeted area, beginning in the center and using the applicator if it was included as part of the product — Do not shampoo your hair for at least 4 hours after applying minoxidil — Wash your hands after treatment to cleanse the medicine from your body and avoid unwanted side effects — Be careful when applying minoxidil, as it can transfer to parts of your clothing, hats, or bed linin and leave stains — The dose of minoxidil varies from product to product. Always follow the recommended dosing on your product – like Rogaine – when using minoxidil. Is Minoxidil Safe? Minoxidil is generally thought to be safe to use. However, like most medicine, it may cause unwanted side effects in certain individuals.

The most common reported side effects of minoxidil include: — Slightly elevated rate of hair growing in places other than the scalp (like your forehead and sideburns) — Pruritus — Skin irritation — Dermatitis Nevertheless, as Examine.com explains , minoxidil is generally side effect free and the risk of side effects does not increase with concentration of the medicine: “A Cochrane systemic review on the efficacy and side-effects of hair loss treatments (for females) noted that, in regards to Minoxidil, that there was no significant difference in side-effects with 1% or 2% but a slightly increased rate of self-reported ‘general’ side-effects with twice-daily 5% Minoxidil” Types of Minoxidil Minoxidil treatments come in two main concentrations: — 5% minoxidil concentration (for men) — 2% minoxidil concentration (for women) If a minoxidil product does not list the concentration, then consider using a different product. Some manufacturers try to pass off 2% minoxidil concentrations (or weaker) as more powerful formulas. Reputable minoxidil products always list their concentrations. Does Minoxidil Work?

According to one large study , approximately 40% of men experience hair regrowth after 3 to 6 months of using minoxidil as directed. Minoxidil must be used indefinitely for continued support of existing hair follicles and the maintenance of any experienced hair regrowth. The effectiveness of minoxidil has been reinforced in numerous other studies to date. Currently, minoxidil is the only topical product that is FDA approved for androgenic hair loss . How Does Minoxidil Work? As mentioned above, the effectiveness of minoxidil has been demonstrated numerous times over the years, but its exact mechanisms of action remain unclear. We don’t know exactly how it works, but we have some ideas: — Minoxidil is a potassium channel opener that causes hyperpolarization of cell membranes. — In more understandable terms, that means that it widens blood vessels and opens potassium channels, which allows more oxygen, blood, and nutrients to travel to the hair follicle — By extension, this can cause follicles in the telogen phase to shed. These follicles are then replaced by thicker hairs in a new anagen phase. When is Minoxidil Most Effective?

Minoxidil works on most types of balding to some degree, but it’s more effective when treating specific types of balding. Minoxidil, for example, is particularly effective when treating younger men who have experienced hair loss for fewer than 5 years. The treatment also seems to work best on the crown of the head as opposed to balding that leads to a receding hair line. Minoxidil is available for both men and women. If being used to treat baldness in women, you typically use a solution with a concentration of 2%. History of Minoxidil Minoxidil was researched and developed in the late 1950s by the Upjohn Company, which was later absorbed by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. Interestingly enough, minoxidil wasn’t initially used to treat balding: it was used to treat ulcers. Early trials involving dogs showed the treatment to be a powerful vasodilator. Researchers would eventually synthesize 200 different versions of minoxidil before settling on the version of minoxidil that we use today in 1963.

In 1963 and later years, numerous clinical trials and studies would be completed on minoxidil, including many studies under the trade name Loniten. When minoxidil was first approved by the FDA, it wasn’t approved as a treatment for balding: it was approved as a way to treat high blood pressure. Eventually, researchers began experimenting with 1% to 5% concentrations of minoxidil to treat hair loss. During the 1980s, the drug was widely known and used by doctors as a treatment for balding, although it was not meant to be specifically used as such. There was tremendous pressure on the FDA to officially approve minoxidil as a treatment for male baldness. In 1988, the FDA finally approved minoxidil for treating baldness in men. The approved drug was named Rogaine after the FDA initially injected Upjohn’s first choice of name, which was Regain (the FDA found the term “misleading”). By 1991, Upjohn had launched a version of Rogaine for women. Today, minoxidil is marketed under a wide variety of trade names.

Its best known under its original trade name, which is Rogaine, but can also be found on pharmacy and store shelves under names like Amexidil, Avacor, Avogain, Keranique, Loniten, and even Kirkland Signature (Costco’s private label version of minoxidil). Should You Use Minoxidil to Treat Balding? Minoxidil is the only FDA approved treatment for male baldness available today. It has repeatedly demonstrated its effectiveness in clinical trials and has proven to be safe when applied topically for an indefinite period of time. It won’t work on all balding cases, and it won’t work forever on anyone, but it’s one of the few safe, clinically proven ways to naturally improve your body’s ability to grow healthy hair . SHARE

Question: What is Rogaine meant to treat?
Answer: Baldness