How Does It Work?

Minoxidil belongs to a class of drugs known as vasodilators. It works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. Thus, it promotes hair growth by providing essential nutrients to the hair follicles and boosts overall hair health. A person experiences hair shedding at the beginning due to the weakened hair follicles shrinking and making space for new hair.

Uses

Minoxidil tablet is prescribed for the treatment of the following conditions:
Alopecia – a condition that causes hair to fall out in patches.
Hypertension – also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated.

Dosage

Minoxidil tablets are recommended to be taken once daily. It can be taken with or without food. Follow your doctor’s prescription carefully to achieve desired results. The effects of this medication can be seen within 3-6 months after a daily dosage is followed.

Missed Dosage: If you missed the dose, take it as soon as possible. Unless it’s time for your next scheduled dose, in that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double dose to make up for the missed dose. Do not stop the medication without your doctor’s approval.

Overdose: Overdosing can cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe side effects.

Important Advisory

Before you take Minoxidil, let your doctor know:

• If you have a family history of hair loss.
• If you are under the age of 18.
• If your hair loss is caused due to hair products, chemicals, or any other hair grooming products.
• If you have heart disease.
• If you suffer from uncontrolled blood pressure.
• If you suffer from hair loss due to an existing health condition.
• If you suffer from diseases such as diabetes, high blood cholesterol, etc.
• If you suffer from stress-related disorders.

Side Effects

Some common side effects of Minoxidil tablets include:

• Scalp itching
• Rashes
• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Dryness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Chest pain

In some cases, side effects such as weight gain, rapid heartbeat, swelling of face, ankles, hands, or stomach can occur. If you experience any such symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Drug Interactions

If you take herbal, OTC, recreational, or other drugs, let your doctor know about them. Certain drugs can interact with Minoxidil and alter how it works. Here is a list of drugs that can interact with Minoxidil

• Amphetamines
• Aspirin
• Finasteride
• Alprazolam
• Corticosteroids
• Levothyroxine
• Acetaminophen
• Guanethidine

Interaction with alcohol

Alcohol has been known to cause skin dryness which is not suitable for your scalp. Avoid consuming alcohol along with this medicine.

Storage Instructions

• Keep the tablets out of reach of children.
• Keep the tablets away from heat, moisture, and sunlight.
• Once the pack is opened, store the pills in an airtight container.
• Do not consume the pills past their expiration date.
• Store the tablets at room temperature.

Substitutes Available

FINAST 5 MG TABLETS
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
FINPECIA 1 MG
Cipla Ltd.
FINAX 1 MG
Centurion Laboratories
FINCAR 5 MG
Cipla Ltd.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. What are Minoxidil tablets used for?

Ans. Minoxidil tablets are used for the treatment of Alopecia in men and women. These tablets come in two dosages: 5 mg and 10 mg. The effects of this medicine are noticeable in 3-6 months after following a daily dosage.

Q. How does Minoxidil stimulate hair growth?

Ans. Minoxidil is a vasodilator that widens the blood vessels and allows more oxygen, blood, and nutrients to flow to the hair follicles. It helps to promote hair regrowth and eventually stops hair loss. It causes the weakened hair follicles to shrink so that new hair can grow in its original place.

Q. What happens if I stop taking Minoxidil?

Ans. Minoxidil works as long as you keep up with the medication. Abrupt termination of Minoxidil will lead to hair loss as blood flow decreases to the hair follicles. Termination of the course at any time will lead to progressive hair loss within 12 to 24 weeks.

Q. What are the side effects of Minoxidil tablets?

Ans. Some common side effects of Minoxidil include headaches, nausea, vomiting, scalp irritation, hives, chest pain, dizziness, and lightheadedness. If problems persist for long, contact your doctor immediately.

References

• Suchonwanit P, Thammarucha S, Leerunyakul K. Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2019 Aug 9;13:2777-2786. doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S214907. Erratum in: Drug Des Devel Ther. 2020 Feb 10;14:575. PMID: 31496654; PMCID: PMC6691938. https://www.dovepress.com/minoxidil-and-its-use-in-hair-disorders-a-review-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-DDDT
• Randolph M, Tosti A. Oral minoxidil treatment for hair loss: A review of efficacy and safety. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021 Mar;84(3):737-746. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.06.1009. Epub 2020 Jul 2. PMID: 32622136. https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0190962220321095
• do Nascimento IJB, Harries M, Rocha VB, Thompson JY, Wong CH, Varkaneh HK, Guimarães NS, Rocha Arantes AJ, Marcolino MS. Effect of Oral Minoxidil for Alopecia: Systematic Review. Int J Trichology. 2020 Jul-Aug;12(4):147-155. doi: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_19_20. Epub 2020 Sep 19. PMID: 33376283; PMCID: PMC7759057. https://www.ijtrichology.com/article.asp?issn=0974-7753;year=2020;volume=12;issue=4;spage=147;epage=155;aulast=do
• Ramos PM, Sinclair RD, Kasprzak M, Miot HA. Minoxidil 1 mg oral versus minoxidil 5% topical solution for the treatment of female-pattern hair loss: A randomized clinical trial. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Jan;82(1):252-253. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.08.060. Epub 2019 Aug 29. PMID: 31473295. https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0190962219326660
• Keusch GW, Weidmann P, Campese V, Lee DB, Upham AT, Massry SG. Minoxidil therapy in refractory hypertension analysis of 155 patients. Nephron. 1978;21(1):1-15. doi: 10.1159/000181366. PMID: 351447. https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/181366