Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Minoxidil is an organic chemical compound used in preparations to prevent androgenic alopecia. This type of baldness threatens both women and men and affects millions of people around the world each year. What is minoxidil and how does it work? In which preparations is this active substance found?
What is minoxidil?
Minoxidil as an organic chemical compound is a derivative of the drug dihydralazine, whose main task is to reduce pressure. Indeed, initially, minoxidil was used orally to treat blood pressure disorders. On the other hand, the stimulating properties of the hair follicles were discovered by chance. Experts, having learned about the possible additional use of minoxidil, decided that the drug should be used in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, with the indication that it should not be used orally. Minoxidil is a completely safe compound with proven effectiveness. It can be purchased at any pharmacy, in the form of a liquid, aerosol or spray. Preparations containing minoxidil are rubbed topically on the scalp. Very often, minoxidil is misidentified with other, more invasive, hair growth drugs such as finasteride and pyramidine. It is worth remembering that minoxidil does not belong to the group of corticosteroids.
What preparations contain minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a compound that is found in numerous hair growth formulations. The most frequently purchased by patients include:
- Alocutan 2% – in the form of a liquid for external use;
- Alocutan Forte 5% – in the form of a liquid for external use;
- Alopexy 5% – in the form of a liquid for external use;
- Loxon – available in Poland in concentrations of 2% and 5%. For example, in the United States, preparations with a concentration of up to 15% are available;
- Minovivax 2% and 5% – liquid for external use;
- Piloxidil 2% – liquid for external use;
- Regalok 2% – liquid for external use.
Minoxidil – application
Minoxidil can be used by women and men for androgenetic alopecia. This type of alopecia is defined as a disease in which the hair follicles become miniaturized. Topical application of minoxidil effectively helps to inhibit and reduce the effects of this disease. Minoxidil is also recommended for people who have had hair transplants. The research confirmed that in the case of using preparations with minoxidil, patients obtained much better treatment results.
- Hair is falling out? Reach for the natural birch liniment with sea buckthorn, which is rubbed into the scalp and used as a hair strengthening mask.
When using minoxidil, attention should be paid to the concentration of this compound in the preparation. Women should use lotions or rubs with a lower concentration, and men with a higher concentration. Using the preparation with too high a concentration may cause facial hair in women. Moreover, preparations with a concentration of 15% can lower blood pressure, so consult your doctor first.
For everyday hair care, it is worth using natural cosmetics with a mild composition. The Cannaderm cosmetics set is a good choice. The products contain hemp extract, caffeine and nettle extract, thanks to which they strengthen the hair and nourish it. To take care of your hair, you can also reach for Peer Pharm cosmetics available at promotional prices on Medonet Market. We recommend:
- Arganicare Aloe Vera shampoo with aloe vera for dry hair ends and oily scalp,
- Arganicare Aloe Vera conditioner with aloe vera for dry hair ends and oily scalp,
- Arganicare Aloe Vera mask with aloe vera for dry and dull hair,
- Arganicare Aloe Vera serum with aloe vera for dry and dull hair.
Minoxidil – contraindications and side effects
It should be remembered that preparations with minoxidil must not be used on the skin with wounds or other damage. This is because it is associated with the risk of a significant drop in blood pressure and the occurrence of side effects. In addition, when using minoxidil, other preparations supporting hair growth should be discontinued, including: ditranol, corticosteroids or petroleum jelly. Combining these preparations increases the transfer of minoxidil into the bloodstream. Minoxidil should also not be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women, as this compound may pass into breast milk. A side effect of using minoxidil is scalp irritation, persistent itching, and hirsutism, especially on the face.