Minoxidil Oral 10 mg Tablet – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects

Minoxidil is thought to promote the survival of human dermal papillary cells (DPCs) or hair cells by activating both extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt and by preventing cell death by increasing the ratio of BCl^–2/Bax. Minoxidil may stimulate the growth of human hair by prolonging anagen through these proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects on DPCs. Minoxidil, when used as a vasodilator, acts by opening adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells. This vasodilation may also improve the viability of hair cells or hair follicles.

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The mechanism(s) by which topically applied minoxidil and/or a metabolite of the drug stimulates vertex hair regrowth in androgenetic (male-pattern) alopecia or other forms of alopecia has not been fully elucidated. However, because minoxidil has stimulated hair regrowth in several forms of alopecia, it appears that the drug acts at the level of the hair follicle, possibly involving direct stimulation of hair follicle epithelial growth. … While increased scalp blood flow resulting from local vasodilation often has been proposed as a principal mechanism of minoxidil’s effect on hair growth, this mechanism has not been substantiated consistently and not all vasodilators produce hypertrichosis.

• For the treatment of severe hypertension and in the topical treatment (regrowth) of androgenic alopecia in males and females and stabilisation of hair loss in patients with androgenic alopecia.
• Minoxidil is an antihypertensive agent that is used largely for patients with severe and refractory hypertension not responding to conventional therapies. Minoxidil is also used topically to treat male pattern baldness.
• Minoxidil is used topically to stimulate regrowth of hair in balding areas of individuals with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern alopecia, hereditary alopecia, common male baldness).
• Androgenetic Alopecia
• Severe, symptomatic Hypertension

Contraindications of Minoxidil

• pheochromocytoma
• heart attack within the last 30 days
• angina
• a type of chest pain
• inflammation of the covering of the heart or pericardium
• pericardial tamponade
• a disorder of the heart
• fluid in the covering of the heart or pericardium
• chronic heart failure
• a disorder of the blood vessels of the brain
• kidney disease with a reduction in kidney function
• are allergic to minoxidil or any ingredients of the solution
• are bald due to non-hereditary factors (e.g., caused by illnesses such as iron deficiency, thyroid disorders, or medications such as cancer chemotherapy)
• have hair loss associated with childbirth
• have a skin condition on the scalp (e.g., psoriasis or sunburns)
• are or may be pregnant or are nursing
• are using other skin medications or dressings on the scalp (e.g., for psoriasis)
• have shaved, broken, inflamed, irritated, infected, or severely sunburned skin on the scalp
• have untreated high blood pressure
• have recently discontinued certain medications such as birth control or cancer chemotherapy
• have certain grooming habits (e.g., cornrowing, tight ponytails)