Minoxidil is a medication applied directly to the scalp to treat hair loss and promote hair regrowth. It potentially stimulates hair growth by increasing blood flow to hair follicles. It is available over the counter in both liquid and foam forms and is usually applied twice daily.
Minoxidil is commonly used in:
- Androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness)
Other forms of hair thinning
How Does It Work?
Minoxidil was originally developed as a medication for high blood pressure, but it was found to promote hair growth as a side effect.
- Blood Vessel Relaxant: It acts as a blood vessel relaxant. It dilates the blood vessels in the scalp, allowing them to widen and relax.
- Increased Blood Flow: It helps improve blood circulation to hair follicles, potentially revitalizing shrunken hair follicles and prolonging the growth phase of hair.
However, it is essential to mention that Minoxidil can cause various side effects due to its mechanism of action and the body's response to the medication. We'll look at the common, less common, and rare side effects that may occur on using Minoxidil:
The commonly seen side effects are:
- Scalp Irritation – It is common to experience irritation due to Minoxidil. The alcohol or propylene glycol in minoxidil formulations can cause skin irritation, leading to redness, itching, or flaking on the scalp.
- Unwanted facial hair growth – Although Minoxidil is primarily applied topically, it could get absorbed into the bloodstream, potentially leading to hair growth in unintended areas. This can occur in some individuals, particularly if the medication is applied near the face or if the product is accidentally transferred.
Less common side effects of using this medication are:
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Minoxidil relaxes blood vessels, potentially causing a drop in blood pressure, especially when standing up quickly. Sometimes, Minoxidil may even enter the bloodstream, thus causing dizziness.
- Swelling: Minoxidil can cause fluid retention as a side effect, leading to swelling in different body parts. If you see swelling, it can also be a sign of an allergy to the hair growth medication. Keep track of when the swelling occurs and its severity.
- Rapid Heartbeat: As Minoxidil dilates blood vessels, it could lead to an increase in heart rate. Some medication may be absorbed into the bloodstream, affecting heart rhythm.
- Weight Gain: One can notice temporary weight gain using Minoxidil due to fluid retention. Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated to help manage fluid retention.
Some rare side effects of Minoxidil:
- Severe Allergic Reactions: Stop using Minoxidil immediately if you suspect an allergic reaction like rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. Seek medical help immediately.
- Chest Pain: This could be a sign of a more serious heart issue.
- Fainting: One may rarely faint, but one could faint if blood pressure drops too low.