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minoxidil

 
Medical Encyclopedia: Minoxidil
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Definition

Minoxidil is a drug available in two forms to treat different conditions. Oral minoxidil is used to treat high blood pressure and the topical solution form is used to treat hair loss and baldness.

Description

For the treatment of hair loss, minoxidil is available as a topical solution that is generally either 2% or 5% minoxidil in propylene glycol. The propylene glycol ensures that the applied minoxidil is evenly spread across the affected area and easily absorbed through the skin. As of early 2001, the 5% solution is only approved by the FDA for use on men. Approximately 1 milliliter of minoxidil solution is applied to the scalp once a day using the fingertips or a pump spray. It should be applied from the center of the area being treated outward.

In the treatment of high blood pressure, oral minoxidil is usually prescribed when other medications have failed to treat the condition. Dosage is usually 2.5-100 mg per day as a single dose for adults and 200 micrograms to 1 mg per kg of body weight for children.

— Paul A. Johnson


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Dictionary: mi·nox·i·dil   (mə-nŏk'sĭ-dĭl') pronunciation
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Home > Library > Literature & Language > Dictionary
n.
A vasodilator, C9H15N5O, administered orally for the treatment of hypertension and used topically to promote the regrowth of hair in male pattern baldness.

[(A)MIN(O)- + OXID(E) + -il (alteration of -YL).]


Dental Dictionary: minoxidil
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n

trade names: Loniten, Rogaine (topical); drug class: antihypertensive; action: directly relaxes arteriolar smooth muscle, reducing peripheral resistance; uses: severe hypertension not responsive to other therapy (used with a diuretic); topically to treat alopecia (mechanism unknown).

Drug Info: Minoxidil
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Brand names: Loniten®, Rogaine® Mens, Rogaine® Mens Extra Strength, Rogaine® Womens

Chemical formula:



Minoxidil tablets

What are minoxidil tablets?

MINOXIDIL (Loniten®) is a vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels; when taken by mouth minoxidil helps to treat high blood pressure. It is not a cure and must be taken regularly to control blood pressure. Generic minoxidil tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• angina
• heart or blood vessel disease
• kidney disease
• lung disease
• pheochromocytoma
• previous heart attack
• an unusual or allergic reaction to minoxidil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take minoxidil tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with minoxidil?

• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
• medicines for chest pain
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for high blood pressure
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™)
• water pills

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking minoxidil?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly; this is important while you are taking minoxidil. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be and when you should contact him or her. While you are taking minoxidil, keep a check on your weight. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you rapidly gain more then 5 pounds.

You may need to follow a special low-sodium diet while taking minoxidil. Check with your prescriber or health care professional.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, headache or pain while you are taking minoxidil, without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking minoxidil.

What side effects may I notice from taking minoxidil?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations
• difficulty breathing
• dizziness or fainting spells
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• skin rash or itching
• stiff or swollen joints
• sudden weight gain
• swelling of the feet or legs
• unusual weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• headache
• unusual hair growth, on the face, arm, and back

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 10/12/2004 12:06:00 PM

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

Veterinary Dictionary: minoxidil
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A potent, long-acting vasodilator, which acts primarily on arterioles. Used as an antihypertensive agent in humans and also topically as a hair restorer in male baldness. Has been used in the treatment of alopecia in dogs.

Wikipedia: Minoxidil
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Minoxidil
Systematic (IUPAC) name
6-piperidin-1-ylpyrimidine-2,4-diamine 3-oxide
Identifiers
CAS number 38304-91-5
ATC code C02DC01 D11AX01
PubChem 4201
DrugBank APRD00086
ChemSpider 10438564
Chemical data
Formula C9H15N5O 
Mol. mass 209.251 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability  ?
Metabolism Primarily hepatic
Half life 4.2 hours
Excretion renal
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.

C
Legal status

P(UK) for topical use, otherwise POM. Cannot be prescribed on the NHS.
Routes Oral / topical
 Yes check.svgY(what is this?)  (verify)

Minoxidil (trade names Rogaine and Regaine) is a vasodilator medication known for its ability to slow or stop hair loss and promote hair regrowth. It is available over the counter for treatment of androgenic alopecia, among other baldness treatments, but measurable changes disappear within months after discontinuation of treatment.

Contents

History

Minoxidil was first used exclusively as an oral drug (trade name Loniten) to treat high blood pressure. It was, however, discovered to have an interesting side-effect: the ability to reverse or slow down the balding process. Upjohn Corporation produced a topical solution that contained 2% minoxidil to be used to treat baldness and hair loss, under the brand name Rogaine in the United States and Canada, and Regaine in Europe and the Asia-Pacific. Treatments usually include a 5% concentration solution that is designed for men, whereas the 2% concentration solutions are designed for women. The patent on minoxidil expired on February 13, 1996.[1]

In 2007 a new foam-based formulation of 5% minoxidil was shown to be as effective as the liquid-based treatment for male pattern baldness.[2]

While the drug is available in the United Kingdom, it cannot be prescribed on the NHS, so patients must either buy it over-the-counter or have a private prescription for it.[3]

Results

One study in healthy males aged 18–50 years with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) found that compared to a baseline of 103 to 106 hairs/cm2, those who applied of a 5% solution of minoxidil for 32 weeks increased their non-vellus hair counts by an average of 39 hairs/cm2, in contrast to 5 hairs/cm2 in subjects who received a placebo.[4]

Mechanism

The mechanism by which minoxidil promotes hair growth is not fully understood. Minoxidil is a potassium channel agonist. Minoxidil is less effective when there is a large area of hair loss. In addition, its effectiveness has largely been demonstrated in younger men (18 to 41 years of age). Minoxidil use is indicated for central (vertex) balding only.[5]

Side effects

As a drug to combat hair loss, the most common side effect is itchy scalp. Alcohol present in topical preparations may dry the scalp, resulting in dandruff.[6] Side effects of oral minoxidil may include swelling of the face and extremities, rapid and irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, cardiac lesions, and focal necrosis of the papillary muscle and subendocardial areas of the left ventricle.[7] There have been cases of allergic reactions to minoxidil or the non-active ingredient propylene glycol, which is found in some forms of topical Rogaine.

Ironically, hair loss is a common side effect of minoxidil treatment.[8] Manufacturers note that minoxidil-induced hair loss is a common side effect and describe the process as 'shedding'. Although this phenomenon demonstrates that minoxidil is indeed affecting hair follicles, manufacturers offer no guarantee that the new hair loss will be replaced with hair growth.

Effects on animals

Minoxidil is highly toxic to cats and can cause death.[9][10]

Application

Minoxidil products involve contact with hair strands, which may cause problems with hair styling since minoxidil must be in an alcohol solution. To keep the minoxidil solution from affecting normal hair styling applications, it can be washed out after at least 40 minutes, although this will decrease the hair regrowth effect. For maximum effect, the solution should be in contact with the scalp for four hours before being washed out. If the solution is not a problem, hair styling devices can be used as soon as the minoxidil solution has dried.

Minoxidil solutions are sold under many brand names. Many high priced as well as generic brands of minoxidil regrowth solutions exist and do not differ in their active ingredient or concentration (except differing versions within each brand).

References

  1. ^ "Grant v. Pharmacia & Upjohn Co.". http://ca10.washburnlaw.edu/cases/2002/12/01-1509.htm. Retrieved 2009-01-17. 
  2. ^ Olsen EA, Whiting D, Bergfeld W, Miller J, Hordinsky M, Wanser R, Zhang P, Kohut B (2007). "A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of a novel formulation of 5% minoxidil topical foam versus placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men". J Am Acad Dermatol. 57: 767. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2007.04.012. PMID 17761356. 
  3. ^ Drug Tariff, retrieved 2009/04/11
  4. ^ Rogaine Topical Solution 5%, at Pharmcom, 27 June 2009.
  5. ^ Medical Treatments for Balding in Men American Family Physician April 15, 1999
  6. ^ "Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis". Medscape.com. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/407641. Retrieved 2009-10-09. 
  7. ^ "Minoxidil Official FDA information, side effects and uses". Drugs.com. http://www.drugs.com/pro/minoxidil.html. 
  8. ^ http://www.rogaine.com/men/about-rogaine/faq
  9. ^ Camille DeClementi; Keith L. Bailey, Spencer C. Goldstein, and Michael Scott Orser (December 2004). "Suspected toxicosis after topical administration of minoxidil in 2 cats". Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care 14 (4): 287–292. doi:10.1111/j.1476-4431.2004.04014.x. 
  10. ^ "Minoxidil Warning". ShowCatsOnline.com. http://www.showcatsonline.com/x/minoxidil.shtml. Retrieved 2007-01-18. "Very small amounts of Minoxidil can result [in] serious problems or death" 

External links

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Nonsympatholytic vasodilatory antihypertensives (C02)
Nitrovasodilator
NO (arterioles and venules)
N (arteriolar)
(arteriolar) Potassium channel opener
Minoxidil • Diazoxide
(arteriolar) Calcium channel blocker
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Other dermatological preparations (D11)
Medicated shampoos
Cetrimide - Cadmium compounds - Selenium compounds - Povidone-iodine - Sulfur compounds - Xenysalate
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This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)

 
 

 

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Medical Encyclopedia. © 2006 through a partnership of Answers Corporation. All rights reserved.  Read more
Dictionary. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.  Read more
Dental Dictionary. Mosby's Dental Dictionary. Copyright © 2004 by Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.  Read more
Drug Info. Gold Standard. Copyright © 2008 by Gold Standard. All rights reserved.  Read more
Veterinary Dictionary. Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary 3rd Edition. Copyright © 2007 by D.C. Blood, V.P. Studdert and C.C. Gay, Elsevier. All rights reserved.  Read more
Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Minoxidil".  Read more