Introduction and brief history of Minoxidil
Minoxidil is basically a vasodilatation-agent and was originally and exclusively used (taken orally) for treating high blood pressure. It was, though, discovered to have amazing side effects of hair growth and to reverse the baldness, and in the 1980s, Upjohn Corporation manufactured a topical solution containing 2% Minoxidil that was widely used treating baldness and hair losses, under the brand name Ro gaine in the US, and Regaine outside the US. The therapy generally includes 5% concentration solution that is designed for the men, while the 2% concentration solution that is designed for women.
Mechanism of Action of Minoxidil
The drug appears to exert i ts maximum effects at the upper portion of the head. The exact way that how Minoxidil acts is yet to be a researchable work. Cutaneous blood flow is reduced in pattern baldness and Minoxidil will increase cutaneous blood flows within the scalp, perhaps pro moting hair growths by such mechanism. Nevertheless, other vasodilators may not grow hairs.
Since the drug Minoxidil is a potassium channel agonist, the drug has a chemical structure of Nitric oxide (NO), which is potent blood vessel dilator, and could be a nitric oxide agonist. This might explain Minoxidil’s capability for stimulating hair growths and treating hair falls. As the drug Minoxidil is a nitric oxide related compound, it was surmised to act via activating something called Guanylate cyclase, whic h is an enzyme that is greatly called for vasodilatation, nonetheless, there are no reports showing cGMP or PKG activation till date.
Treatment with Minoxidil
The key to use Minoxidil is to do it earliest possible. The suitable candidates are those who hav e thinning of hairs but not totally bald. Those having a higher density of hairs at the beginning of treatment are considered to be beneficial a bit more.
Before making an application of topical Minoxidil, the hair and scalp are kept dry. For avoiding the skin irritation from the alcohol that is present in this product, wait for about half an hour after washing or shaving before applying this solution onto the scalp. The evening dose of Minoxidil is to be applied at least half an hour before bedtime for bet ter and complete absorption of the drug into the scalp. This prevents the medication from getting rubbed onto the pillow covers.
Complete directions on how to use Minoxidil are supplied with the pack. One should though, be sure asking a doctor or pharmacis t for such directions, and follow the instructions cautiously. Apply 1 ml to the bald areas of the scalp two times a daiy (in the morning and evening), unless directed to do more by heath care provider. There are some products that come as a rub-on applica tor, delivering 1-m l dose when the bottle is squeezed filing the topmost chamber to the black-line. The entire amount in the chamber is to be applied onto the scalp. The total daily dosage is not to be exceeded 2 ml and if fingertips are used for the appli cation of the solution, washing the hands afterwards for avoiding spreading the medication becomes important.
Two regular applications for about 4 months are required to get evidences of hair re-growths to observe. The onsets and degrees of hair re-growth s might be variable among different individuals treated with this molecule. If hair re-growths occur, two regular applications a day become necessary to additional and constant hair growth unless a doctor advises otherwise.
Observations from Minoxidil
Fir st hair growth might be soft, flossy, colorless hair that is hardly visible. But, after further treatment, though, the new hairs should be the original color and thickness as the other hairs on rest of the areas. If a couple of applications are missed, res tart two times a day applications and then return to the normal agenda. One should not attempt making up for missed doses or use more than an ml at once and one is not to use on sunburn skin. It is quite essential to continue using Minoxidil for the total prescribed period by a doctor, even if hairs do not appear within several months. If there is no hair-growing even after at least 4 months or more, one should then consult with an expert as this medication might not be turning effective.
