II. Indications
III. Preparations
- Regular Strength 2%
- Cost to pharmacist
- Brand Name: $25/month, $300/year
- Generic: $13/month, $156/year
- Cost to pharmacist
- Extra Strength 5%
- Cost to pharmacist: $30/month, $360/year
- Not more effective than 2% in Androgenetic Alopecia
- Indicated as adjunct in Alopecia Areata
- Higher Incidence of facial Hypertrichosis
IV. Mechanism
-
Minoxidil is originally an Antihypertensive agent when used systemically
- Found to promote Hair Growth as an adverse effect
- Increases Hair Shaft epithelial cell growth
- Potentiated by Retin A
- Direct effect on Hair Follicle
- Activates Hair Follicles in Catagen
- Extends Anagen duration
- Expands Hair Follicles
- Decreases hair shedding
V. Dosing
- Apply bid to dry scalp
- Spray 6 times (1 ml) or
- Dropper bottle
- Wash hands carefully after applying
- Reduces risk of spread to face and Hypertrichosis
VI. Advantages
- Appropriate for both men and women
- Modestly effective
- Most effective for vertex baldness
- Vertex baldness under 5 years
- Hair Loss under 10 cm (4 inch) diameter
VII. Disadvantages
- Less effective for frontal Hair Loss
- New hair lost when treatment discontinued
VIII. Adverse effects
-
Hypertrichosis (excessive facial hair)
- Resolves by one year even if Minoxidil continued
- Bleach more evident darker hairs
- Pruritus of scalp
- Allergic or Irritant Contact Dermatitis (usually to propylene glycol)
- Compounding pharmacist can use alternative base