Drug Uses
Rogaine is the trade name of Minoxidil and it is sold in 5% solution for men and 2% solution for women.
It is used in treatments of androgenic alopecia and other conditions, which could cause hair loss, and it is used for central (vertex) or top of the head baldness.
The medication has proven extremely successful in younger (18 to 41 year old) men and it is more effective when used while the bald area is still relatively small.
As other similar medications, the gained hair re-growth is easily lost if the treatment is discontinued. The medication is sold under a number of brand names, including Regaine, Avacor, Loniten and Mintop.
Rogaine is a liquid based treatment, which should be applied after washing the scalp with mild shampoo, drying the hair completely, and then applying it for at least four hours before washing.
The medication is no longer patented and is sold in different forms, including topical treatment solutions and foam-based formulation.
Depending on a number of factors, the reported success rate is anywhere from 30% to 60%, where some patients manage to slow or stop baldness completely, while others experience hair re-growth as well.
Use Rogaine (Minoxidil Solution) exactly as your doctor his prescribed.
Applying the solution more often than recommended is likely to trigger side effects; use the medications for as long as you wish to retain your hair as discontinuing the treatment will cause the hair loss to continue.
Keep the solution it its original, tightly closed container, at a temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), and away from heat and light.
The main active ingredient of Rogaine is toxic to cats and rats and you should keep the solution away from your pets.
Possible Side Effects
The most common side effects, caused by Rogaine are redness or irritation of the treated area, irritation or burning of the eyes, itching, and unwanted body hair growth.
In the case of severe allergic reactions such as difficult breathing, hives, itching, rash, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue, or face, medical help should be sought immediately.
If the medication causes fast heartbeat, dizziness, unexplained weight gain, chest pain, swollen hands or feet, or fainting, call your doctor immediately and visit the nearest emergency room.
The solution should be used only once or twice per day, exactly as directed by you healthcare provider. In order to rule out allergic reactions, you should apply a small amount the first time and wait out for a few hours.
Using higher than the recommended doses could lead to pseudoacromegaly, and the alcohol in the topical treatment solutions could cause dry scalp and dandruff.
Oral Minoxidil, which is sold in some countries could cause face swelling, swelling of the extremities, cardiac lesions, lightheadedness, irregular heartbeat, and other adverse reactions.
When used correctly, the medication is safe and well tolerated by most patients, which makes it perfect for prolonged use.
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