subject: Minoxidil: First Approved FDA Drug For Hair Growth [print this page] Minoxidil: First Approved FDA Drug For Hair Growth
Minoxidil is the first and only FDA approved prescription drug for treatment of androgeneric alopecia or male pattern baldness. It is a hypertensive product that hasvasolidating properties which feed nutrients, blood and oxygen to the hair follicles. It will then cause follicles to shed and then replaced by new hair growth. Treatmentscome in 5% and 2% solutions. Concentrated solution of 5% is found to be the more effective. Lately, there is also minoxidil type in foam based formulation of 5% aseffective as the liquid type. As a potassium channel opener, it causes hyper polarization of cellular membranes. With so many positive clinical studies of hair growthstimulation with patients after about 4 months of daily use, Minoxidil has enjoyed its continuous popularity over the years.
If you are experiencing falling and thinning hair or you may have some bald spots, it is best to consult a reputable physician before using Minoxidil. You need to use themedicine carefully as instructed. Do not use more minoxidil as ordered by your doctor, If you do, it may be absorbed through the skin and this can cause unwanted sideeffects. Double doses for missed doses are not advisable. You should also not use it to any other area of your body.
Be careful if you are taking other prescribed medication which may have some contraindications with it. It has been reported that people taking it for the first time canexperience mild complications like unwanted hair growth elsewhere on the body, eye irritation, rapid heart palpitation, scalp itchiness, fainting, chest pains, swollen handsor feet and other signs. However, when you regularly use the product, the side effects begin to disappear. You can have some comfort and peace in mind on the basis ofFDA's clearance.
You can buy over the counter different brands of 5% solution of Minoxidil which have the same active ingredients or concentration. Minoxidil is an inactive drug and whenyou apply the solution on the scalp, it becomes an active product called "Minoxidil Sulphite" thru the catalyst called sulfonyl transferase. It is usually applied twice a day, inthe morning and in the evening. For more effectivity, regular daily use for several months is needed. In the first month, there may be some baby hairs you will notice. Ifyou stop treatment, hair follicles may die again and you can lose those new hairs.
