Millions of people around the world are facing hair loss.
From those, many look forward to efficient treatments. Amongst all the
alternative treatments discovered, minoxidil is introduced as one kind of
medication designed to treat hair loss. At first, it was used for patients with
hypertension; yet, the possibilities to apply this treatment for preventing the
hair loss made it the best topical and oral hair loss treatment. Here we
discuss oral minoxidil for hair loss which includes the mechanism of minoxidil
action, efficacy, adverse effects and precautions.
Types of Hair Loss
Before getting into the details of oral minoxidil, it helps
to step back and consider the larger landscape: types of hair loss.
- Androgenetic Alopecia
- Alopecia Areata
- Telogen Effluvium
- Traction alopecia
What is Minoxidil?
In the late 1950's, Minoxidil was developed as an
antihypertensive drug. The scientist discovered it by its side effect: induces
hair growth; therefore, its use for hair loss. Available both orally and
topically, the use of Minoxidil topical solution forms is most common in the
treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
How Minoxidil works
In fact, minoxidil is a vasodilator, it dilates blood
vessels However, we how use it topically for hair growth. When applied on the
scalp, the drug causes blood to flow towards the follicle regions of the scalp;
this comes will all the nutrients and oxygen that is needed for hair growth. It
might stimulate growing hairs while slowing the rate of falling or
"crawling" hairs.
Mechanism of Action
Increased Blood Circulation: The drug enhances blood supply
to the scalp. The blood contains all the nutrients essential for the hair follicle
to continue growing.
- Extended Anagen Cycle
- Hair Growth Patterns
- Increased Follicle Size
Discovery of Oral Minoxidil
Although topical minoxidil has a long history in the
treatment of hair loss, oral minoxidil appears an infinitely better alternative
to some. The oral minoxidil literature suggests it should confer benefits very
similar to those obtained with the topical variant but at potentially higher
absorption rates and efficacy.
Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss
The Rise of Oral Minoxidil
There have been some fairly encouraging findings that have been recently done about the efficacy of oral minoxidil regarding hair loss:
- Clinical studies: Oral minoxidil was found to be effective
for androgenetic alopecia, with increasing hair density and thickness, which
were noticeable. The patients experienced significant hair growth after several
months of treatment.
- Safety Profile: Oral minoxidil is generally well-tolerated
but should be used only under medical supervision. Its use requires monitoring
because the established dosages to treat hair loss are lower than those used
for hypertension.
- Combination Therapy: Other practitioners prescribe oral
minoxidil either in combination with other hair loss remedies, which may
include finasteride or topical minoxidil, or at higher dosages to improve the
effectiveness of the treatment.
Dosage and Administration
Its dosage is typically lower when used for the treatment of
alopecia as opposed to using it for hypertension. A typical clinical dosage
begins anywhere from 0.5 to 2.5 mg daily based on the patient's needs and
responses. Oral minoxidil should only be taken with a doctor's advice.
Side Effects
Oral minoxidil, despite being effective in treating hair loss, has also side effects among which can be:
- Fluid Retention: Minoxidil can cause water retention, which
leads to swelling within the extremities. More common at higher doses.
- Increased Heart Rate: People might feel palpitations or
other increases in heart rate. Heart health has to be kept under check,
although it is of great importance to people who have a pre-existing medical
condition.
- Hypertrichosis: Patients can develop excessive hair growth
in areas apart from the scalp, usually in females. This side effect can be
especially disturbing and in some instances, alteration of treatment may be
necessary.
- Skin Reactions: Some patients may develop skin irritation,
rashes at or near the injection site and within other parts of the body .
- Other side effects include dizziness, headaches and GI
problems among others though these are less common.
Monitoring and Safety
Due to the potential side effects that may manifest while
taking oral minoxidil, follow-up visits with a healthcare provider are
necessary. The risks associated with its use will be measured in monitoring the
blood pressure and heart rate and any adverse reactions to it.
Pre-Lifelong Oral Minoxidil Precautions Pre-Med Consultation with a Healthcare Provider
The patient should consult an appropriate medical provider
before beginning oral minoxidil to discuss the history of their past and
current medical conditions and medications. Particular hair loss issues can be
discussed in this consultation to help ascertain whether or not oral minoxidil
would be suitable for use.
Individual Response to Treatment
Meanwhile, one must establish the fact that there may be individual responses to oral minoxidil. Some individuals may have a pretty good deal of hair regrowth. Others may barely have anything changed about them. It takes time before hair growth becomes noticeable. Hair growth usually ranges from several months.
- Reduce Stress: In any given level of stress a person is
facing, he would always experience some natural increase in hair loss. It is
advisable that one indulges in some kinds of activities which help reduce
stress, be it yoga and meditation or exercise.
- Protect the Scalp: Healthy scalp is another reason hair can
grow. This can be ensured by regular shampooing and protection from harsh
chemicals to the scalp.
- Taking Trauma: Traction alopecia can be caused by many
hairstyles that pull on the hair. A good hairstyle should not exert too much
stress on the hair follicle .
Conclusion
This drug, also called oral minoxidil has recently come up as a promising drug mainly because it will fill a longstanding quest for an oral drug that could be administered to treat those who do not respond to topical preparations. Since it is also likely to be the most promising treatment for most since it tends to induce hair growth on larger numbers and increase hair density, its use will escalate on those lines. As with all drugs, oral minoxidil will have to be used cautiously under the watchful eye of a physician because there are possible side effects and safe administration.
Minoxidil taken orally is effective, but its use with
holistic care for the hair remains an integral part; diet, stress management,
and proper scalp care must be integrated. Any treatment will work differently
for each individual case, and a firm commitment to long-term care is required
to achieve and maintain the desired results.
Please book an appointment with the Best Dermatologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.
