Minoxidil is a topical vasodilator that can help in hair growth. It’s only available by prescription, and doctors usually recommend starting with a 2% or 5% solution. Strengths higher than 5% are not FDA-approved and tend to cause side effects. They are also harder to find.
In fact, studies have shown that the effectiveness of minoxidil peaks around the 5% strength.
Benefits
Minoxidil is effective in promoting hair growth and can be used on the scalp or elsewhere on the body. It can also help treat certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, dandruff, and lichen planopilaris. It has also been shown to reduce inflammation and itching from these diseases.
While the benefits of buy minoxidil 10% Europemay be enough for some people, others need a higher dose to see results. Fortunately, this medication is available in a 10% solution that is only available with a prescription from a hair loss clinic.
This strength of the drug works best for men with a receding hairline. It is important to remember that the benefits of this drug can be short-lived and it’s crucial to continue treatment as prescribed by your doctor. There is a common rule called “dose-response” that states that the effectiveness of a medication increases with each dosage increase, but it will eventually reach a point of diminishing returns and no longer be beneficial.
Dosage
Regardless of the strength, minoxidil is only available with a prescription and must be used under the supervision of a doctor. It can take 4 months, and possibly a year to see any results (6). There are some easy things you can do to improve your hair growth results, including using the right shampoo and conditioner and not styling your hair with gels or wax hairspray before applying minoxidil.
It is important to use the exact amount your doctor prescribes. Exceeding the dosage does not increase hair growth and can cause side effects.
Because it is a vasodilator, minoxidil at higher strengths can lower blood pressure which can lead to dizziness and heart palpitations. This is why doctors are wary of prescribing stronger concentrations such as 15%.
Side effects
Buy minoxidil 10%can cause new hair growth in the face, arms, hands, and chest in both men and women. This usually happens several weeks after you start using the product. This growth is temporary, and the hair will return to your original amount when you stop using minoxidil.
This medication may affect certain lab tests, including blood pressure and kidney function. You should avoid consuming alcohol or taking other medications that can affect these tests while you are using this drug. Your doctor should check your blood pressure regularly.
This drug can cause salt and water retention, which can lead to congestive heart failure in some people. Your doctor will probably prescribe a diuretic to help reduce this side effect.
Precautions
Minoxidil should be applied to the scalp only. It should not be used on other parts of the body unless told by your doctor. Wash your hands after applying it. Avoid getting it in your eyes. If this happens, rinse with large amounts of cool water and call your doctor. Minoxidil may affect your blood pressure and heart function. This medication can cause excess water and salt to build up in your body, which can lead to congestive heart failure. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment with this medication to make sure your kidneys and heart are working well.
This medication is FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor about using this medication while pregnant or breastfeeding. This medication passes into breast milk and can harm a nursing baby. Talk to your doctor before breastfeeding. It may take several months before you see results from this medication.
