Two studies into Regaine for men, using a 5% solution of minoxidil, were conducted in Germany. Men in both studies applied the solution twice a day. One year-long study of 984 men with hereditary hair loss found the product to be very effective in 15.9% and effective in 47.8% of patients for stimulating hair growth. Cardiac effects of minoxidil in dogs are species-specific in terms of the low doses that cause profound haemodynamic effects and associated changes in the heart. Available data indicate that similar cardiac effects do not occur in humans treated topically or orally with minoxidil. One of the most important things to note when learning how to use Minoxidil, therefore, is that patience and consistency are crucial. Studies suggest that results are best seen after four months, with another observing that significant results were observed after six months.

William Gaunitz, a trichologist, explains that genetic hair loss in both men and women is connected to a sensitivity to DHT and revolves around certain levels of androgens connected to hair follicle receptors. “This type of hair loss only affects the top of the scalp,” he says.

Pharmacy product

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially: An uncommon side effect of minoxidil is increased hair loss, usually in the early stages of treatment. Although minoxidil is the most effective hair loss treatment for women and the second most effective hair loss treatment for men, after finasteride. You may be looking for other options. Ustuner ET. Cause of androgenic alopecia: crux of the matter. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2013;1(7):e64. Published 2013 Nov 7. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000000005

Male pattern baldness is the common type of hair loss that develops in many men at some stage. The condition is sometimes called androgenetic alopecia. It is caused by a combination of hereditary (genetic) and hormonal factors. Murugusundram S. Serenoa Repens: Does It have Any Role in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia?. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2009;2(1):31-32. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.53097Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine. Other Interactions Hypertension (high blood pressure)—Topical minoxidil has not been studied in patients who have these conditions, but more serious problems may develop for these patients if they use more medicine than is recommended over a large area and too much minoxidil is absorbed into the body. Minoxidil treatments are applied once or twice daily to the same patches of scalp, sometimes for long periods of time. Certain products contain a chemical called propylene glycol, which aids absorption. However, some people can react to this chemical.

You can use minoxidil alongside prescription treatments, find out more in our Finasteride and minoxidil guide.Minoxidil is not effective for everyone. If you feel there is no improvement after 12 months of using the solution, you should stop using it. If you are using minoxidil foam, you should stop using it after 16 weeks if there is no improvement. Minoxidil is designed to be used twice daily, ideally at twelve-hour intervals. It is best, however, to use the treatment at least an hour before you go to bed in the evening as this will prevent the solution from rubbing off onto your pillow before it has been properly absorbed. Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatrics-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of topical minoxidil in the elderly. However, studies have shown that the medicine works best in younger patients who have a short history of hair loss. Minoxidil has not been studied in patients older than 65 years of age . Breastfeeding Even when using the spray, ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly after application. This will ensure that you don’t absorb the drug in an area where it is not needed, and it will prevent you from unwittingly ingesting Minoxidil if it remains on your hands.

Before using Regaine for Men Extra Strength Scalp Solution 5% w/v Cutaneous Solution, the user should determine that the scalp is normal and healthy. Topical minoxidil should not be applied to inflamed, infected, irritated or painful scalp skin (see section 4.3). Animal reproduction toxicity studies in rats and rabbits have shown signs of maternal toxicity and a risk to the foetus at exposure levels that are very high compared to those, intended for human exposure. A low, albeit remote, risk of foetal harm is possible in humans. If this continues, stop using minoxidil. If affected, do not drive and do not use tools or machines until you feel better If you are a man who has tried Minoxidil and found it ineffective, or if you are a seeking an alternative treatment for hair loss, you might consider prescription tablets known as Propecia. Visit our online hair loss service to find out more. What happens if you stop using Minoxidil? Storage conditions: Keep container tightly closed. Keep out of sight and reach of children. Store below 25°C.Minoxidil is not effective for everyone. If you feel there is no improvement after 12 months of using the solution, you should stop using it. If you are using minoxidil foam, you should stop using it after 24 weeks if there is no improvement. It takes time to re-grow hair. In clinical trials 3 out of 5 men reported hair re-growth after 48 weeks. Minoxidil, effective for the treatment of hair loss in 60% of men, needs to be applied twice a day. And if it’s your hair loss treatment of choice, there’s probably a question you’re hoping to have answered: How to apply the Minoxidil spray?