Minoxidil

Information about Minoxidil

Minoxidil Uses

Minoxidil is used in the treatment of hair loss. It is most effective in treating hereditary hair loss or thinning at the top of the scalp, not in front. Rarely, it may be used to treat high blood pressure.

How Minoxidil works

Minoxidil is a potassium channel opener. Its vasodilation action expands the blood vessels to promote blood flow, thereby decreasing blood pressure to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). The topical application of Minoxidil on your scalp helps in increasing blood flow through the vasodilation process. This increased blood flow provides more nutrition and oxygen to the hair follicle, which prevents hair cell death and also enhances new hair growth. This is how it works to treat your hair loss (alopecia).

Common side effects of Minoxidil

Itching, Chest pain, Headache, Hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth), Rash, Dermatitis, Hypersensitivity, Weight gain, Fluid retention, Tachycardia
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
MDS (Oral Pathology & Microbiology), BDS
Reviewed By
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
13 Jun 2023 | 11:25 AM (UTC)

We provide you with authentic, trustworthy and revelant information

Want to know more

Available Medicine for Minoxidil

MintopDr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd
256 to ₹228417 variant(s)
MorrIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
250 to ₹108010 variant(s)
RegaineJanssen Pharmaceuticals
465 to ₹20993 variant(s)
KeraIpca Laboratories Ltd
690 to ₹13504 variant(s)
AndroanagenCuratio Healthcare India Pvt Ltd
230 to ₹10152 variant(s)
MinopepIndiabulls pharmaceutical ltd
550 to ₹10986 variant(s)
LonitabIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
199 to ₹6943 variant(s)
MinoqilibGalderma India Pvt Ltd
9511 variant(s)
ManexilDabur India Ltd
520 to ₹5322 variant(s)
MinokemAlkem Laboratories Ltd
289 to ₹9563 variant(s)

Expert advice for Minoxidil

  • Wash your hands before and after application.
  • It should only be applied directly to the scalp area. If Minoxidil accidentally comes in contact with your eyes, nose or mouth, flush the area thoroughly with cool tap water.
  • Do not shampoo your hair for 4 hours after applying Minoxidil or use hairdryer as it can reduce the effectiveness of the medicine.
  • During the first 2 weeks of application, your hair fall may increase. This is normal and is a sign that Minoxidil is working.
  • Take care that Minoxidil does not trickle down onto your face as it may cause undesirable facial hair growth.

Frequently asked questions for Minoxidil

Minoxidil

Q. Is the hair growth by Minoxidil treatment permanent?

You have to continue applying Minoxidil for continued hair growth. If you stop using Minoxidil, the regrown hair may disappear after 3-4 months and balding or hair loss may restart.

Q. How long does it take to see results with Minoxidil?

Since hair growth is a slow process, it may take some time before you see new hair growth after starting the treatment with Minoxidil. You need to use Minoxidil for 4 months to see its effects.

Q. Do I need to wash my hair every day when using Minoxidil?

No, it is not required to shampoo your hair every day before applying Minoxidil. However, if you shampoo your hair, make sure your scalp is dry before using Minoxidil.

Q. How often should Minoxidil be applied?

The general recommendation is that Minoxidil should be used twice daily. Follow your doctor's instructions and take it in the dose and duration advised by your doctor.

Q. Can Minoxidil be used for beard growth?

No, Minoxidil should not be used for beard growth. It is indicated only for growth of hair on scalp in patients with a family history of hair loss.

Q. Can Minoxidil be used for beard growth?

No, Minoxidil should not be used for beard growth. It is indicated only for growth of hair on scalp in patients with a family history of hair loss.

INDIA’S LARGEST HEALTHCARE PLATFORM

260m+
Visitors
31m+
Orders Delivered
1800+
Cities
Get the link to download App
Reliable

All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies. All labs listed on the platform are accredited

Secure

Tata 1mg uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) 128-bit encryption and is Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant

Affordable

Find affordable medicine substitutes, save up to 50% on health products, up to 80% off on lab tests and free doctor consultations.

LegitScript approved
India's only LegitScript and ISO/ IEC 27001:2022 certified online healthcare platform

Know more about Tata 1mgdownArrow

Access medical and health information

Tata 1mg provides you with medical information which is curated, written and verified by experts, accurate and trustworthy. Our experts create high-quality content about medicines, diseases, lab investigations, Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products, Ayurvedic herbs/ingredients, and alternative remedies.

Order medicines online

Get free medicine home delivery in over 1800 cities across India. You can also order Ayurvedic, Homeopathic and other Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products. Your safety is our top priority. All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies.

Book lab tests

Book any lab tests and preventive health packages from certified labs and get tested from the comfort of your home. Enjoy free home sample collection, view reports online and consult a doctor online for free.

Consult a doctor online

Got a health query? Consult doctors online from the comfort of your home for free. Chat privately with our registered medical specialists to connect directly with verified doctors. Your privacy is guaranteed.