Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an anti-hypertensive vasodilator medication. It also slows or stops hair loss and promotes hair regrowth. Now off-patent, it is available over-the-counter (OTC) for the treatment of androgenic alopecia. Mostly used for the treatment of hair loss, it has been proven clinically effective in both the prevention of loss and in establishing varying degrees of hair re-growth in males and females suffering pattern baldness. Minoxidil must be used indefinitely for continued support of existing hair follicles and the maintenance of any experienced hair regrowth.
Efficacy of Minoxidil
The mechanism by which minoxidil promotes hair growth is not fully understood. Minoxidil contains the nitric oxide chemical moiety and may act as a nitric oxide agonist. Similarly, minoxidil is a potassium channel opener, causing hyper-polarization of cell membranes. Minoxidil is less effective when there is a large area of hair loss. In addition, its effectiveness has largely been demonstrated in younger men who have experienced hair loss for less than 5 years. Minoxidil use is indicated for central (vertex) hair loss only. Minoxidil is also a vasodilator. Hypothetically, by widening blood vessels and opening potassium channels, it allows more oxygen, blood, and nutrients to the follicle. This may cause follicles in the telogen phase to shed, which are then replaced by thicker hairs in a new anagen phase.
How ROGIN works?
In hereditary hair loss, a combination of heredity, hormones, and age causes a progressive shrinking, or miniaturization, of certain scalp follicles. This causes a shortening of the hair's growing cycle. Over time, as the active hair growth phase becomes shorter, the resting phase becomes longer. Eventually, there may be no growth at all. ROGIN works in part by partially enlarging the hair follicles and reversing the miniaturization process. By enlarging miniaturized follicles, the growth phase of the hair cycle is prolonged, allowing the hair to become longer and thicker looking.
What are the most common side effects of ROGIN?
Some people may experience a dry, itchy scalp and irritation (more common with solution than foam). If you develop unwanted facial hair while using Men's ROGAINE® products, it will usually disappear when use of the product is discontinued.
How soon can we expect results?
It may take at least 6 months for results to be seen. If you do not see any results after 6 months, speak with your doctor.
How long should we continue to use ROGIN?
Hereditary hair loss is a lifelong condition requiring continuous use of ROGIN. If it works for you, make it a part of your daily routine. Apply directly to your scalp twice a day, every day, as long as you wish.
If we miss a dose of a ROGIN?
If you miss a few doses of a ROGIN, just continue with your next regular dose. A few days of not using ROGIN will not affect your long-term hair regrowth as long as you resume regular use.
What if we stop using ROGIN?
Continued use of ROGIN is necessary to maintain hair regrowth. If you stop using it, the normal hair loss process will start again. You will probably lose your newly regrown hair within a few months.
How long can we use ROGIN?
There is no limit on how long you may use ROGIN products. Continued use is necessary to increase and keep your hair regrowth, or hair loss will begin again.
Can we use hair spray or gel/cream, when using ROGIN?
You may follow your normal hair care routine when using ROGIN products, but you should apply ROGIN first.
Can we apply ROGIN to wet hair?
Try to completely dry hair and scalp before applying ROGIN.
Can we blow dry my hair after applying ROGIN?
It's fine to blow-dry your hair, try using your dryer at a lower setting.
Can we get our hair wet after applying ROGIN?
Avoid washing off ROGIN products. If possible, apply ROGIN products to a dry scalp after swimming. Try not to let your scalp get wet from the rain after applying ROGIN.
What type of shampoo should we use?
You can follow your normal hair care routine when using ROGIN products. If your scalp is dry and flaky, we recommend the use of a mild, gentle shampoo. Topical medications are not recommended while using ROGIN products.
How should ROGIN be used?
Minoxidil comes as a liquid to be applied to your scalp. Minoxidil usually is used twice a day. Follow the directions on your package, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use minoxidil exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than directed by your doctor. Exceeding the recommended dosage does not produce greater or faster hair growth and may cause increased side effects. You must use minoxidil for at least 6 months, and possibly for up to 1 year, before you see any effect. Apply minoxidil to dry hair and scalp only. Do not apply it to other body areas, and keep it away from your eyes and sensitive skin. If it accidentally comes in contact with these areas, wash them with lots of cool water. Do not apply minoxidil to a sunburned or irritated scalp.
Precautions before using Minoxidil
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to minoxidil or any other drugs.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially guanethidine (Ismelin), other medications for high blood pressure, and vitamins.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, liver, or scalp disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using minoxidil, call your doctor.
Plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Minoxidil may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
What should we do if we forget a dose?
Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What are the side effects?
Minoxidil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: scalp itching, dryness, scaling, flaking, irritation, or burning
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- weight gain
- swelling of the face, ankles, hands, or stomach
- difficulty breathing (especially when lying down)
- rapid heartbeat
- chest pain
- lightheadedness
Storage and disposal of ROGIN
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an antihypertensive vasodilatormedication. It also slows or stops hair loss and promotes hair regrowth. Now off-patent, it is available over-the-counter (OTC) for the treatment of androgenic alopecia. Mostly used for the treatment of hair loss, it has been proven clinically effective in both the prevention of loss and in establishing varying degrees of hair re-growth in males and females suffering pattern baldness. Minoxidil must be used indefinitely for continued support of existing hair follicles and the maintenance of any experienced hair regrowth.
Efficacy of Minoxidil
The mechanism by which minoxidil promotes hair growth is not fully understood. Minoxidil contains the nitric oxide chemical moiety and may act as a nitric oxide agonist. Similarly, minoxidil is a potassium channel opener, causing hyperpolarization of cell membranes. Minoxidil is less effective when there is a large area of hair loss. In addition, its effectiveness has largely been demonstrated in younger men who have experienced hair loss for less than 5 years. Minoxidil use is indicated for central (vertex) hair loss only. Minoxidil is also a vasodilator. Hypothetically, by widening blood vessels and opening potassium channels, it allows more oxygen, blood, and nutrients to the follicle. This may cause follicles in the telogen phase to shed, which are then replaced by thicker hairs in a new anagen phase.
How ROGIN works?
In hereditary hair loss, a combination of heredity, hormones, and age causes a progressive shrinking, or miniaturization, of certain scalp follicles. This causes a shortening of the hair's growing cycle. Over time, as the active hair growth phase becomes shorter, the resting phase becomes longer. Eventually, there may be no growth at all. ROGIN works in part by partially enlarging the hair follicles and reversing the miniaturization process. By enlarging miniaturized follicles, the growth phase of the hair cycle is prolonged, allowing the hair to become longer and thicker looking.
What are the most common side effects of ROGIN?
Some people may experience a dry, itchy scalp and irritation (more common with solution than foam). If you develop unwanted facial hair while using Men's ROGAINE® products, it will usually disappear when use of the product is discontinued.
How soon can we expect results?
It may take at least 6 months for results to be seen. If you do not see any results after 6 months, speak with your doctor.
How long should we continue to use ROGIN?
Hereditary hair loss is a lifelong condition requiring continuous use of ROGIN. If it works for you, make it a part of your daily routine. Apply directly to your scalp twice a day, every day, as long as you wish.
If we miss a dose of a ROGIN?
If you miss a few doses of a ROGIN, just continue with your next regular dose. A few days of not using ROGIN will not affect your long-term hair regrowth as long as you resume regular use.
What if we stop using ROGIN?
Continued use of ROGIN is necessary to maintain hair regrowth. If you stop using it, the normal hair loss process will start again. You will probably lose your newly regrown hair within a few months.
How long can we use ROGIN?
There is no limit on how long you may use ROGIN products. Continued use is necessary to increase and keep your hair regrowth, or hair loss will begin again.
Can we use hair spray or gel/cream, when using ROGIN?
You may follow your normal hair care routine when using ROGIN products, but you should apply ROGIN first.
Can we apply ROGIN to wet hair?
Try to completely dry hair and scalp before applying ROGIN.
Can we blow dry my hair after applying ROGIN?
It's fine to blow-dry your hair, try using your dryer at a lower setting.
Can we get our hair wet after applying ROGIN?
Avoid washing off ROGIN products. If possible, apply ROGIN products to a dry scalp after swimming. Try not to let your scalp get wet from the rain after applying ROGIN.
What type of shampoo should we use?
You can follow your normal hair care routine when using ROGIN products. If your scalp is dry and flaky, we recommend the use of a mild, gentle shampoo. Topical medications are not recommended while using ROGIN products.
How should ROGIN be used?
Minoxidil comes as a liquid to be applied to your scalp. Minoxidil usually is used twice a day. Follow the directions on your package, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use minoxidil exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than directed by your doctor. Exceeding the recommended dosage does not produce greater or faster hair growth and may cause increased side effects. You must use minoxidil for at least 6 months, and possibly for up to 1 year, before you see any effect. Apply minoxidil to dry hair and scalp only. Do not apply it to other body areas, and keep it away from your eyes and sensitive skin. If it accidentally comes in contact with these areas, wash them with lots of cool water. Do not apply minoxidil to a sunburned or irritated scalp.
Precautions before using Minoxidil
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to minoxidil or any other drugs.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially guanethidine (Ismelin), other medications for high blood pressure, and vitamins.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, liver, or scalp disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using minoxidil, call your doctor.
Plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Minoxidil may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
What should we do if we forget a dose?
Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What are the side effects?
Minoxidil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: scalp itching, dryness, scaling, flaking, irritation, or burning
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- weight gain
- swelling of the face, ankles, hands, or stomach
- difficulty breathing (especially when lying down)
- rapid heartbeat
- chest pain
- lightheadedness