Minoxidil: Uses, Price, Dosage, Side Effects, Substitute, Buy Online

Minoxidil Information

Minoxidil is a prescription medicine. Hair Loss, Baldness, Alopecia are some of its major therapeutic uses. Other than this, Minoxidil has some other therapeutic uses, which have been discussed ahead.

Medical history of the patient along with age and gender determines the dosage of Minoxidil. The condition it has been prescribed for, and the route of administration also determine the right dosage. This information has been provided in detail in the dosage section.

Minoxidil also has some side effects, the most common being Flushing, Bloating or fullness, Swelling. Besides the aforementioned side effects, there are other adverse effects of Minoxidil as well, which are listed below. These side effects of Minoxidil are usually temporary and subside with the completion of treatment. Consult your doctor if these side effects become worse or stay for a longer duration.

It is also important to note that Minoxidil has a Severe effect for pregnant women and Severe effect on lactating mothers. In addition, Minoxidil's effects on the liver, heart and kidney are discussed below in the Minoxidil related warnings section.

Minoxidil is not recommended if you suffer from certain medical conditions as it can have adverse effects. Heart Failure, Pulmonary Hypertension, Angina are examples of such conditions.

Drug reaction of Minoxidil with other medicines has been reported. Refer to the list below for further details.

You should also be aware that Minoxidil is not safe while driving, and is not addiction.

Minoxidil Benefits & Uses
Minoxidil Dosage & How to Take
Minoxidil Side Effects
Minoxidil Related Warnings
Severe Interaction of Minoxidil with Other Drugs
Minoxidil Contraindications
Frequently asked Questions about Minoxidil
Minoxidil Interactions with Food and Alcohol

Minoxidil Benefits & Uses

Minoxidil is used to treat the following -

Main Benefits

Other Benefits

High BP (Read More - Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure)

Minoxidil Dosage & How to Take

This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.

Find the right dosage based on disease and age

Age Group	Dosage
Adult	Disease: Baldness Before or After Meal: As advised by a physician Single Maximum Dose: 1 ml Dosage Route: Topical Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: Apply affected area where hair growth is desired
Geriatric	Disease: Baldness Before or After Meal: As advised by a physician Single Maximum Dose: 1 ml Dosage Route: Topical Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: Apply affected area where hair growth is desired

Minoxidil Side Effects

Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Minoxidil is used -

Moderate

Edema

Mild

Breast pain

Common

Flushing
Bloating or fullness
Swelling
Weight gain
Palpitations (fluttering in chest)

Minoxidil Related Warnings

Is the use of Minoxidil safe for pregnant women?

Minoxidil should not be taken during pregnancy, or should only be taken on the advice of a doctor as it may have severe side effects.

Severe
Is the use of Minoxidil safe during breastfeeding?

Women who are breastfeeding, may experience serious side effects after taking Minoxidil. So it is adviced to consult the doctor before using it.

Severe
What is the effect of Minoxidil on the Kidneys?

Minoxidil is not harmful for kidneys.

Safe
What is the effect of Minoxidil on the Liver?

There is no research available on the side effects of Minoxidil on the liver. Therefore, its impact is unknown.

Unknown
What is the effect of Minoxidil on the Heart?

Minoxidil may have mild side effects on the heart. Most people will never see any effect on the heart.

Mild

Severe Interaction of Minoxidil with Other Drugs

Minoxidil should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -

Moderate

Chlorpheniramine,Codeine

Paracetamol,Codeine

Alprazolam

Amoxapine

Amitriptyline

Betamethasone

Minoxidil Contraindications

If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Minoxidil unless your doctor advises you to do so -

Heart Failure
Pulmonary Hypertension
Angina

Frequently asked Questions about Minoxidil

Is this Minoxidil habit forming or addictive?

No, there is no any evidence that Minoxidil is addictive.

No
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?

No, you should do not do anything that requires concentration and attention as the Minoxidil can make you feel drowsy.

Dangerous
Is it safe?

Minoxidil is safe but it is important to consult a doctor before taking it.

Safe, but take only on Doctor's advise
Is it able to treat mental disorders?

No, Minoxidil cannot treat any kind of mental disorder.

No

Minoxidil Interactions with Food and Alcohol

Interaction between Food and Minoxidil

You can take Minoxidil with food.

Safe
Interaction between Alcohol and Minoxidil

Consumption of alcohol and Minoxidil together may have severe effects on your health.

Severe

Frequently asked Questions about Minoxidil

Question almost 5 years ago

Can Minoxidil cause hair loss?

Dr. Kapil Sharma MBBS , General Physician

Yes, Minoxidil may cause temporary hair loss for up to 2 weeks initially after starting of the treatment in few cases only. This is due to hair shifting from the resting phase to the growth phase. Consider this as a sign that your old hairs are falling so that new hairs can regrow in their place. If the hair loss continues for more than 2 weeks then you are advised to discuss it with your doctor.

Question about 5 years ago

Can I use Minoxidil for telogen effluvium (temporary thinning of due to stress)?

Dr. Vipin Khadse MBBS , General Physician

Yes, Minoxidil might be used for telogen effluvium (temporary hair thinning mostly on the top of the scalp). Minoxidil is only approved for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and you are advised to consult with a doctor first before using this drug for telogen effluvium.

Question about 5 years ago

Is Minoxidil a steroid?

Dr. MBBS , Dermatology, General Physician, Dietician, Infectious Disease, Sexual Medicine & Marital Therapy, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, AIDS/HIV Sexually Transmitted Infections

No, Minoxidil is not a steroid. It contains minoxidil which is an antihypertensive vasodilator that is used in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and management of severe hypertension.

Question over 4 years ago

Can I discontinue Minoxidil on my own without doctors advice?

Dr. Surender Kumar MBBS , General Physician

No, Minoxidil should not be discontinued without doctors advice. You are recommended to always consult a doctor before discontinuing this medicine.

Question over 5 years ago

Is hair growth by Minoxidil permanent?

Dr. Mayank Yadav MBBS , General Physician

No, hair growth by Minoxidil is not permanent. You might have to use Minoxidil continuously to maintain normal hair growth in the affected area.

See all substitutes for Minoxidil

Imxia F Solution - ₹623
Mintop Yuva Solution - ₹960
Tugain 2% Solution - ₹346
Mintop Eva Solution - ₹935
Regaine Solution - ₹374
Coverit 5% Solution - ₹593
Mintop Forte 5% Solution - ₹1584
Tugain 10% Solution - ₹1102
Morr 12.5% Solution - ₹1026
Morr 7.5% Solution - ₹783
Hair 4U 10% Solution - ₹881
Tugain Men Solution - ₹788
Minokem N 5% Solution - ₹811
Morr 10% Solution - ₹874
Morr 5% Solution - ₹593
Tugain 5% Solution - ₹788
Regaine 5 Solution - ₹921
Bold Care Hair Serum - 5% Topical Solution - Regrow Hair - ₹699
Tugain Eva Solution 60ml - ₹784
Morr Forte 5% Solution - ₹474

This medicine data has been created by -

Vikas Chauhan

B.Pharma, Pharmacy
5 Years of Experience

References

KD Tripathi. [link]. Seventh Edition. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2013: Page No 567

Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA): Department of Health [Internet]. Governmet of Australia; Package leaflet information for the user; Loniten® (minoxidil)