Minoxidil Tablets

How Minoxidil Works

Minoxidil Tablet belongs to a class of drugs known as vasodilators. It works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. Thus, it promotes hair regrowth by providing essential nutrients to the hair follicles. This helps boost scalp health and overall hair health. 

Uses

This drug is useful for treating the following conditions:

• Alopecia: A condition that causes hair to fall out in patches.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure

Minoxidil Benefits

• Stimulates new hair growth 
• Prevents and/or reverses hair loss 

Minoxidil Tablet 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. You may see the effects of this medication within 3-6 months.

Missed dosage

If you missed the dose, take it as soon as possible. Unless it’s time for your next scheduled dose, skip the forgotten 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. Call your doctor if you experience severe side effects.

Safety Advice

Alcohol : UNSAFE
Drinking alcohol while being treated with minoxidil can raise your risk of hypotension (low blood pressure).

Pregnancy : POSSIBLY UNSAFE
Minoxidil is not usually recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It can be used during pregnancy only if prescribed by a doctor.

Breastfeeding :  POSSIBLY UNSAFE
Minoxidil is not usually recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Driving : USE CAUTION
There isn’t enough data to show how it affects the ability to drive. Do not drive or operate hazardous machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Kidney : POSSIBLY SAFE
The medication is not known to cause kidney damage. However, if you have a kidney problem, consult your doctor. They may reduce the dose to meet your needs.

Liver: USE CAUTION
If you have any liver disease or dysfunction, speak to your doctor before using minoxidil.

Other Precautions

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor if you should take it. 

Do not start or stop the dosage without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Before you take Minoxidil tablets for hair growth, 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 by hair products, chemicals, or any other hair grooming products.
• If you have heart disease.
• If you suffer from uncontrolled blood pressure.
•  if you ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine. 
• 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.

Minoxidil Side Effects

Some common side effects of Minoxidil oral tablets include:

• Scalp itching
• Dryness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weight gain

In some cases, severe side effects may appear, such as

• Difficulty breathing, 
• Hives
• Rapid heartbeat,
• Chest pain,
• Swelling of the face, ankles, hands, or stomach 

If you experience any such symptoms and they refuse to resolve on their own, contact your doctor right away.

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.

References

1. Suchonwanit, P., Thammarucha, S., & Leerunyakul, K. (2019). Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review, Drug Design Development and Therapy, Volume 13, 2777–2786. https://doi.org/10.2147/dddt.s214907
2. Keusch, G. W., Weidmann, P., Campese, V., Lee, D. B., Upham, T., & Massry, S. G. (1978). Minoxidil therapy in refractory hypertension analysis of 155 patients. Nephron, 21(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1159/000181366
3. Patel, P., Nessel, T. A., & D, D. K. (2024, June 9). Minoxidil. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482378/
4. Suchonwanit, P., Thammarucha, S., & Leerunyakul, K. (2019b). <p>Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review</p> Drug Design Development and Therapy, Volume 13, 2777–2786. https://doi.org/10.2147/dddt.s214907
5. Ramírez-Marín, H., & Tosti, A. (2022). Role of oral minoxidil in patterned hair loss. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 13(6), 729. https://doi.org/10.4103/idoj.idoj_246_22