Hair Regrowth Treatment (minoxidil)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Minoxidil is a piperidinopyrimidine-derivative vasodilator that possesses hair growth stimulant properties.
USES: Minoxidil solution and foam are used to help hair growth in the treatment of male pattern baldness. It is not used for baldness at the front of the scalp or receding hairline in men. The foam and 2 percent minoxidil solution is also used to help hair growth in women with thinning hair.
Minoxidil belongs to a class of drugs known as vasodilators. It is not known how minoxidil causes hair growth. This medication is not used for sudden/patchy hair loss, unexplained hair loss (for example, if you have no family history of hair loss), or hair loss after giving birth.
Do not use this product if you are 18 years old or younger.
Generic name: minoxidil
Pronunciation: (min-OX-id-ill)
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
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Indications
The following indications are listed for Hair Regrowth Treatment:
- Alopecia
Also known as: Acomia, Calvities, Pelade.
Dosing
When the dropper applicator is used as directed, the applicator delivers 1 mL of minoxidil topical solution (20 or 50 mg of minoxidil in the 2 or 5% solution, respectively). When the metered-spray or extender-spray applicator is used, delivery of a 1-mL dose requires pumping the spray attachment 6 times (i.e., with approximately 3.3 or 8.3 mg of drug per metered spray with the 2 or 5% solution, respectively). When used as directed, each bottle of minoxidil topical solution should last 25-30 days provided substantial amounts of solution are not lost during applicator changes.
Minoxidil solution is applied topically to the scalp. Twice-daily application appears to be necessary for optimum results. Individuals receiving topical minoxidil therapy should be carefully instructed regarding proper use of the solution. To obtain optimum results, these individuals should be given a copy of the instructions provided by the manufacturers.
Topical minoxidil solution is applied to the total affected areas of the scalp using one of the applicators provided by the manufacturers (i.e., metered-spray applicator, extender spray applicator, dropper applicator). The manufacturers' patient information should be consulted for specific methods of application. Individuals being treated for androgenetic alopecia should be advised that because of the risk of adverse systemic effects, the topical preparation is intended for application to the scalp only and should not be applied to other areas of the body.
Prior to application of minoxidil topical solution, the hair and scalp should be dry. Individuals applying minoxidil topical solution with their fingertips should be instructed to wash their hands thoroughly afterward. When the metered-spray or extender-spray applicator is used, inhalation of the spray mist should be avoided.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
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There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.
There are no less severe adverse reactions for this drug.
Precautions
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Although there are no adequate and controlled studies to date in humans receiving oral or topical minoxidil, orally administered minoxidil has been associated with evidence of increased fetal resorption in rabbits, but not rats, when given at dosages 5 times the maximum recommended human oral antihypertensive dosage. There was no evidence of teratogenic effects of orally administered minoxidil in rats or rabbits. There was no evidence of teratogenic effects in rats receiving subcutaneous minoxidil dosages of 80 mg/kg daily (about 2000 times the maximal systemic human exposure achieved with daily administration of topical minoxidil); however, maternal toxicity was observed with this dosage. Evidence of developmental toxicity was observed in rats receiving subcutaneous dosages exceeding 80 mg/kg daily. For additional information on the potential risks of oral minoxidil therapy during pregnancy, see Cautions: Pregnancy, Fertility, and Lactation, in Minoxidil 24:08.20. The effects of the drug on labor and delivery are not known.
Minoxidil is distributed into milk after oral administration. Because of the potential for serious adverse effects in nursing infants if topically applied drug were absorbed percutaneously and distributed into breast milk, the manufacturer recommends that minoxidil topical solution not be administered to nursing women.
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ICD codes
No ICD codes are available for this drug.
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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