$Unique_ID{BRK03241}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{minoxidil (topical)}
$Subject{topical Rogaine Upjohn Hair growth stimulant minoxidil stimulate
balding crown head blood supply follicles}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


minoxidil (topical)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Rogaine (Upjohn)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Hair growth stimulant

INGREDIENT

     minoxidil

DOSAGE FORM

     2% solution (20 mg per ml); 60 ml bottle

STORAGE

     Minoxidil topical solution should be stored at room temperature in a
tightly closed container.  It should be kept away from heat or flames because
the solution is flammable (it contains alcohol).

USES

     Minoxidil topical solution is used to stimulate hair growth in men who
are balding.  The drug seems to exert its maximum effect at the crown of the
head.  The exact way that it works is not known, but it may stimulate hair
growth by improving the blood supply to the hair follicles.

TREATMENT

     Before applying topical minoxidil, the hair and scalp should be dry.  To
avoid skin irritation from the alcohol contained in this product, wait at
least 30 minutes after washing or shaving before applying this medication to
the scalp.  The evening dose of medication should be applied at least 30
minutes before bedtime for more complete absorption of the medication into the
scalp.  This will prevent the medication from rubbing onto the pillowcase.
     Complete directions for the use of this product are supplied with the
medication.  Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist for these directions,
and follow the instructions carefully.  The solution is packaged with three
applicators that can be used to apply the solution directly to the scalp.
Apply 1 ml to the balding areas of the scalp twice daily (in the morning and
evening), unless directed to do otherwise by your doctor.  Six sprays with
either of the spray applicators deliver a 1-ml dose.  The rub-on applicator
delivers a 1-ml dose when the bottle is squeezed to fill the top chamber to
the black line.  The full amount in the chamber should then be applied to the
scalp.  The total daily dosage should not exceed 2 ml.  If finger tips are
used to apply the solution, wash hands afterwards to avoid spreading the
medication to the eyes or other parts of the body.
     Two daily applications for up to 4 months may be required before evidence
of hair regrowth is observed.  The onset and degree of hair regrowth may be
variable among different patients treated with this medicine.  If hair
regrowth occurs, two daily applications are necessary for additional and
continued hair growth (unless your doctor directs otherwise).
     First hair growth may be soft, downy, colorless hair that is barely
visible.  After further treatment, the new hair should be the same color and
thickness as the other hair on the scalp.
     If one or two applications are missed, restart twice daily applications
and return to the usual schedule.  Do not attempt to make up for missed doses.
     It is important to continue to use this medication for the entire time
prescribed by your doctor, even if hair growth does not appear within several
months.
     If there is no hair growth after at least four months or more, consult
with your doctor, as this medication may not be effective for you.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Diarrhea, dry skin/scalp, flaking, itching, local redness, nausea, or
vomiting.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
medication.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
back pain, chest pain, cough, cold, dizziness, faintness, light-headedness,
rapid heart beat, fluid retention, headache, weight gain, or worsening of hair
loss.

INTERACTIONS

     Use of abrasive or medicated cleansers, medicated cleaners, medicated
cosmetics, or any topical, alcohol-containing preparations (such as
after-shave lotions or cologne) along with topical minoxidil solution can
result in excessive skin dryness and irritation.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to minoxidil.
     * Before starting to use this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had heart disease, high blood pressure, or
skin problems, such as dermatitis or local abrasions.
     * Because this medication contains alcohol, it can cause skin irritation
to sensitive areas.  You should, therefore, avoid getting this medication in
your eyes, nose, or mouth, or in areas surrounding scratches or burns.
     * Do not apply minoxidil to other areas of the body because absorption of
the drug may be increased and the risk of side effects may become greater; do
not use along with other topical medication on your scalp, unless directed to
do so by your doctor.
     * Avoid inhaling the spray mist.
     * If treatment is stopped, new hair growth will probably be shed within a
few months.
     * More frequent applications or use of larger doses (more than 1 ml twice
daily) will not speed up the process of hair growth and may increase the
possibility of side effects.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.