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- $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.
-