Topical Minoxidil Usage Tips
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Minoxidil should not be used during pregnancy but can be used in breastfeeding
patients(1)
Minoxidil 5% foam once per day, or on 2% of topical minoxidil solution twice per day.
Topical minoxidil should be applied to the affected area of the scalp and should be applied at least 2 hours before bedtime
It should never be applied before immediate going to bed to avoid facial exposure through the pillow
Patients should be educated that topical minoxidil may cause a transient increase in hair shedding in the frst months of use and
should never be abruptly interrupted, it indicates that telogen follicles are re-entering the anagen phase.
Minoxidil’s most common side effects include contact dermatitis and facial hypertrichosis
Hypertrichosis usually resolves 1–3 months after drug discontinuation
The foam formulation is an option in case of irritation because it does not contain propylene glycol
Patients should be treated for at least 6 months prior to assess efficacy
Patients should also be informed that drug interruption will cause acute hair shedding after 3–4 months
It can be applied on wet hair(2)
Dosage Regimen(3)
For Males :
Minoxidil 5% solution is 1 ml twice daily
Minoxidil 5% foam is half of a capful twice
daily.
Both should be left in place for at least 4 hours
For women:1 ml of 2% minoxidil solution twice daily
Half of a capful of the 5% foam formulation once a day
References:
(1) The Transfer of Drugs and Other Chemicals Into Human Milk. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/conte…/…/776.full.html located on the World Wide Web at: AMERICAN
ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS The Transfer of Drugs and Other Chemicals Into Human Milk.
2001. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/conte…/…/776.full.html. Accessed 25 Nov
2018.
(2)Angelo, T, Barbalho, G. N, Gelfuso, G. M., and Gratieri, T. (2016). Minoxidil topical treatment may be more efficient if applied on damp scalp in comparison with dry scalp. Dermatologic therapy, 29(5), 330-333.
(3)Tosti, A., Asz-Sigall, D., and Pirmez, R. (2020). Hair and Scalp Treatments: a Practical Guide. Cham: Springer International Publishing.