Minoxidil Topical Description
Minoxidil Topical Description
Generic Name : MINOXIDIL TOPICAL
Pronunciation : (mi nox' I dill)
Trade Name(s) : Gromane, Hairex, Hygaine, Mintop, Moltigain
Why it is prescribed: Minoxidil is used to stimulate hair growth and to slow balding, particularly on the crown of the scalp. It is most effective for people under 40 years of age whose hair loss is recent. Minoxidil has no effect on receding hairlines. It does not cure baldness; most new hair is lost within a few months after the drug is stopped.
When it is to be taken: Minoxidil usually is used twice a day. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand. Do not apply more of this medication or apply it more often than as directed. Exceeding the prescribed dosage does not produce greater or faster hair growth and may cause side effects. You must use minoxidil for at least four months, and possibly for up to one year, before it will take effect.
How it should be taken:
1. Minoxidil comes as a liquid to be applied to your scalp. Follow the instructions that come with your prescription.
2. Three special applicators are provided:
(a) a metered-spray applicator for large scalp areas
(b) an extender spray applicator used with the metered-spray applicator for small areas or under the hair
(c) rub-on applicator.
3. Remove the outer and inner caps from the bottle, choose an applicator, and screw it tightly onto the bottle.
4. To use the extender spray applicator, first assemble the metered-spray applicator and then follow the instructions provided to attach the extender spray applicator.
5. Pump the metered-spray or extender spray applicator six times for each dose. Try not to inhale the mist.
6. Place the large cap on the metered-spray bottle or the small cap on the extender spray nozzle when not in use.
7. To use the rub-on applicator, hold the bottle upright and squeeze it until the upper chamber fo the applicator is filled to the black line. Then turn the bottle upside down and rub on the medication.
8. Place the large cap on the bottle when not in use. If you use your fingertips to apply the medication, wash them thoroughly afterwards.
9. Apply minoxidil to dry hair and scalp only. Do not apply it to other body areas, and keep it away from your eyes and sensitive skin.
10. If it accidentally comes in contact with these areas, wash them with lots of cool water; contact your doctor if they become irritated.
Special Instruction :
1. Do not apply other medications or cosmetics to the treated area unless your doctor directs you to do so.
2. Keep all appointments with your doctor so that your response can be evaluated.
3. Omit the missed dose. Apply the next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Do not try to make up for missed doses.
Side Effects :
1. Scalp itching, dryness, scaling, irritation, burning. If these effects are severe or persist, contact your doctor.
2. Weight gain; swelling of the face, ankles, hands, or abdomen, difficulty breathing; rapid heartbeat; chest pain ; lightheadedness. Stop using minoxidil and contact your doctor immediately.
Other Precautions :
1. Do not apply minoxidil to a sunburned or irritated scalp.
2. Using the medication more often, applying more of it than as directed, or applying it to an irritated or sunburned scalp can cause the drug to be absorbed into your body and result in serious side effects.
3. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors.
4. Before using minoxidil, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially guanethidine and other medication for high blood pressure.
5. Tell your doctor if you have heart, kidney, liver, or scalp disease.
6. Do not allow anyone else to use your minoxidil.
Storage Conditions : Store minoxidil at room temperature and out of the reach of children.
Pronunciation : (mi nox' I dill)
Trade Name(s) : Gromane, Hairex, Hygaine, Mintop, Moltigain
Why it is prescribed: Minoxidil is used to stimulate hair growth and to slow balding, particularly on the crown of the scalp. It is most effective for people under 40 years of age whose hair loss is recent. Minoxidil has no effect on receding hairlines. It does not cure baldness; most new hair is lost within a few months after the drug is stopped.
When it is to be taken: Minoxidil usually is used twice a day. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand. Do not apply more of this medication or apply it more often than as directed. Exceeding the prescribed dosage does not produce greater or faster hair growth and may cause side effects. You must use minoxidil for at least four months, and possibly for up to one year, before it will take effect.
How it should be taken:
1. Minoxidil comes as a liquid to be applied to your scalp. Follow the instructions that come with your prescription.
2. Three special applicators are provided:
(a) a metered-spray applicator for large scalp areas
(b) an extender spray applicator used with the metered-spray applicator for small areas or under the hair
(c) rub-on applicator.
3. Remove the outer and inner caps from the bottle, choose an applicator, and screw it tightly onto the bottle.
4. To use the extender spray applicator, first assemble the metered-spray applicator and then follow the instructions provided to attach the extender spray applicator.
5. Pump the metered-spray or extender spray applicator six times for each dose. Try not to inhale the mist.
6. Place the large cap on the metered-spray bottle or the small cap on the extender spray nozzle when not in use.
7. To use the rub-on applicator, hold the bottle upright and squeeze it until the upper chamber fo the applicator is filled to the black line. Then turn the bottle upside down and rub on the medication.
8. Place the large cap on the bottle when not in use. If you use your fingertips to apply the medication, wash them thoroughly afterwards.
9. Apply minoxidil to dry hair and scalp only. Do not apply it to other body areas, and keep it away from your eyes and sensitive skin.
10. If it accidentally comes in contact with these areas, wash them with lots of cool water; contact your doctor if they become irritated.
Special Instruction :
1. Do not apply other medications or cosmetics to the treated area unless your doctor directs you to do so.
2. Keep all appointments with your doctor so that your response can be evaluated.
3. Omit the missed dose. Apply the next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Do not try to make up for missed doses.
Side Effects :
1. Scalp itching, dryness, scaling, irritation, burning. If these effects are severe or persist, contact your doctor.
2. Weight gain; swelling of the face, ankles, hands, or abdomen, difficulty breathing; rapid heartbeat; chest pain ; lightheadedness. Stop using minoxidil and contact your doctor immediately.
Other Precautions :
1. Do not apply minoxidil to a sunburned or irritated scalp.
2. Using the medication more often, applying more of it than as directed, or applying it to an irritated or sunburned scalp can cause the drug to be absorbed into your body and result in serious side effects.
3. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors.
4. Before using minoxidil, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially guanethidine and other medication for high blood pressure.
5. Tell your doctor if you have heart, kidney, liver, or scalp disease.
6. Do not allow anyone else to use your minoxidil.
Storage Conditions : Store minoxidil at room temperature and out of the reach of children.
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