PRECAUTIONS CONSUMERS SHOULD BE AWARE OF WHEN USING MINOXIDIL

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of minoxidil for the treatment of male and female pattern baldness. This drugs works as a vasodilator, which means it widens the bore of the blood vessels. In the scalp, minoxidil help increase blood circulation to the hair follicles, which in-turn maintains constant oxygen and nutrient supply for healthy hair growth.

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Minoxidil is a topical hair loss treatment that is put on directly on the scalp. Patients should apply 1ml twice daily by using the applicators supplied with the package.

Minoxidil really is effective in stimulating hair growth but just like any other drug, it has its limitations and side effects.

Warning On Women.

Women should be careful in buying this product because there are actually two preparations. A 2% solution is specially made for women and a stronger 5% solution for men. If a woman mistakenly used the 5% solution, they can develop asymmetric hypertrichosis, which is a condition that cause abnormal hair growth anywhere in the body.

Remember Not To Exceed the Dose.

A lot of patients also go overboard of putting more of this product to their scalp, thinking that it will work faster. The recommended dose of minoxidil is 1ml twice daily, putting too much can cause hypotension or low blood pressure.

Side Effects

Perhaps the most common side effect of minoxidil is severe itching. Itching is caused by dryness of the scalp that can lead to dandruff and pruritus. Some patients are advised to use a moisturizing condition to counteract this.

Who Should Not Use Minoxidil

Patients should not use minoxidil if the skin around the scalp is irritated, inflamed, infected, eczematous or any kind of redness. It is also advised to discontinue use when patients experience any chest pain, dizziness, faintness, palpitations, swelling of the feet or hands or weight gain. Any patient who have cardiac disease cannot use this drug.