Minoxidil Side Effects

29 November, 2024 | Hair Treatment | Author : Shveta Virmani

If you have recently noticed that your hair is thinning, it is possible that you have been looking for multiple solutions. These solutions include everything that can be used to potentially reverse the effects of thinning of hair.

Thankfully there are many such over-the-counter medications available and one of them is Minoxidil. To get to know about the usage of the drugs you can contact Medilinks, one of the trusted names in hair loss and fall treatments.

This generally comes as a liquid solution and it is commonly used to treat scalp-related problems as well. Despite the fact that Minoxidil is supported for treating hypertension, involving it in combating baldness is an off-label utilisation of the medication. In this blog, we will examine Minoxidil side effects and what it could mean for your hair.

Problems or Side Effects of Minoxidil Usage

There are several problems associated with the usage of Minoxidil. If you are asking how to use Minoxidil for hairthere are some necessary considerations that you must try. However, before that let us focus on problems associated with Minoxidil usage:

1. Hair Shedding in Initial Phases

Hair transplantation in Delhigenerally advises the potential of going bald due to the use of Minoxidil. One of the Minoxidil hair loss treatments is hair shedding. However, this is one of the normal occurrences and you do not need to stress so much for losing a couple of strands of hair. Please note that such hair shedding occurs as the hair does not grow at a steady state. Generally, your hair grows through growth and resting phases. Now Minoxidil works by preventing the resting phase for the hair and effectively increases the growth phase. Thus, when the resting phase is there it generally leads to the shedding of hair at a massive rate, this is represented by the initial shedding of hair.

2. Scalp Irritation

As discussed above the minoxidil hair loss treatmentis known to cause loss of hair. This loss of hair is responsible for scratching and irritation of your head as well. A dry and itchy scalp is one of the common signs of Minoxidil treatment efforts. If you have bought a liquid formulation of the drug for topical use, it is often mixed in propylene glycol. Many people might be allergic to this constituent and thus irritation might be a common feature that they present. This is not about asking how to apply minoxidil, but it is mainly due to the chemical base on which it is usually kept.

3. Unwanted Hair Growth

You may be learning to use Minoxidil for hairbut there is a catch to it. Applying the topical Minoxidil might be effective at many scales but it might also promote excessive hair growth in regions where you do not want any growth. These kinds of symptoms are generally more persistent in men than in women. However, on a positive note, we can say that this overgrowth is not that common. A study has shown that only 4% of women have shown such symptoms of hair overgrowth using minoxidil in their hair.

4. Changes in Hair Texture

In some people, they have also reported changes in their hair texture after starting topical minoxidil treatment. You can welcome these changes and if you are seeing a stronger hair texture that comes up in the later portion. If there are any changes that you are not satisfied with, kindly let the experts know about them for taking essential steps. These healthcare providers are known to take appropriate steps and ensure you have a better hair loss remedy as well.

5. Rare But Systemic Side Effects Like Increase in Heart Beat

In some cases, you might have noticed that the application of Minoxidil might also lead to an increase in the heartbeat. However, please note that in most of the cases that is 99% of the effects of the medications are local. Generally, in 1% of the cases, the drug might be directly absorbed into your system and it is generally removed by your system within 4 days.

If you are remotely experiencing any of the side effects, it is a good choice to have yourself checked properly.

Is Minoxidil Capable of Treating Hair Loss Problems?

Yes, Minoxidil is known to work flawlessly as it is clinically proven to help with the growth of hair follicles. Apart from that, it generally works by helping to increase hair growth in the anagen phase which ultimately promotes hair thickness. Additionally, the Minoxidil is also known to decrease the shedding phase which is also called the telogen phase Thus, it indirectly promotes the movement of follicles from resting to the growth phase. Therefore, Minoxidil for hair loss is a great treatment.

Precautions Before Taking Minoxidil

There are certain signs and warnings that one must know before opting for a Minoxidil-associated treatment for hair fall. Minoxidil is available at a different dilution rate, thus men must not use the dilution rate intended for women and vice versa. If you have problems with your heart, use Minoxidil very carefully and get yourself a prescription from a reputed doctor. Children below 18 years old must not use Minoxidil hair loss treatment.

Conclusion

Overall, there are a lot of minoxidil side effects that you can see. It is better to take proactive steps and opt for appropriate treatment as per your needs. Moreover, the dilution rate for the drug in the case of men and women is different, so cross-usage must be prohibited. Minoxidil might be one of the best treatments but the results of new hair growth might take approximately 4 months or longer. Thus, it is expected that you take appropriate steps before opting for an appropriate procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Minoxidil affect my fertility?

Minoxidil is unlikely to affect male fertility, however it has been associated with cases of erectile dysfunction. Lower libido in case of males and ejaculation disorder are some of the potential problems reported to date.

2. Who should not use Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is not recommended for patients who suffer from diseases like hypersensitivity, and those who are allergic to polypropylene glycol. In case a woman is pregnant or providing breastfeeding, they must not use minoxidil.

3. Is Minoxidil known to grow a beard?

Minoxidil is notable as a powerful treatment for scalp hair development. The research proposes it can likewise develop facial hair in only 4 months. However, before trying out minoxidil for hair growth it is better to ask for a specialist's recommendation.