Minoxidil is a vasodilator which helps hair growth by causing blood vessels in the scalp to dilate. Increasing the strength of minoxidil beyond 5% will not make it more effective and can cause side effects like facial hair growth in women (4).
Using a higher strength than 5% will only result in side effects and is therefore only available on prescription from a hair loss clinic.
How to Use
Minoxidil comes as a solution or foam that is applied to the scalp once daily. It is not recommended to use on other parts of the body as it could be absorbed and have unwanted side effects.
It is important to apply the medication exactly as instructed by your doctor. It may take months before you begin seeing results from the product. Keep in mind that the higher the strength of the product, the greater the chance for side effects.
Always read the patient information leaflet if available from your pharmacist before starting treatment and each time you get a refill. Store it in an obvious and easy-to-reach location, like on the bedside table or next to your toothbrush, to remind you. It also may be helpful to set a reminder on your phone or create a calendar event.
Dosage
Buy minoxidil 10% Europeis available as a lotion or foam, in strengths of 2% or 5%. Regardless of the strength, the medication should be applied once per day, every day for as long as you want to see results.
You should avoid using hair colouring, hair permanents or hair relaxers on the same day as you use this medicine. Also, you should wash your hands thoroughly after application. Keep this medication away from eyes and any other sensitive skin areas. If it accidentally comes in contact with them, rinse immediately with large amounts of cool water.
Stronger formulations of minoxidil have been shown to cause hypotension (low blood pressure). This can be dangerous, so you should consult with your doctor about these dosages. In addition, minoxidil may interact with certain medications. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, and supplements that you are taking. This includes any that you are planning to take soon.
Side Effects
Minoxidil is a peripheral vasodilator that works by relaxing and enlarging blood vessels so that more blood can flow through them. It also helps reduce blood pressure.
Topical Buy minoxidil 10%can cause a few side effects, including rashes, itching, dryness, flaking of the scalp, and skin irritation (contact dermatitis). Some users experience headaches from changes in blood pressure. Others experience ankle edema or fluid retention.
Generally, these side effects are mild and usually go away within a few months of starting to use the product. If these side effects don’t go away, talk to your doctor.
Some people have more serious side effects, such as chest pain, pounding heartbeat, and shortness of breath. These can be signs of a rare but serious reaction to minoxidil, so it is important to get medical help right away. Your doctor will probably want to monitor you closely and do blood tests and electrolyte tests. They will also want to know if you are taking any other medicines.
