Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Minoxidil is a drug that is used for treating
male-pattern baldness. Oral minoxidil was originally used for treating high blood pressure, but patients and health care providers noticed that hair growth
was a side effect of treatment. This led to the development of topical (solution
applied to the skin) minoxidil for the treatment of male-pattern baldness. The
mechanism of action leading to growth of hair is unknown.
PRESCRIPTION: No
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Solution: 2 and 5%; Foam: 5%
STORAGE: Minoxidil should be stored at room temperature, 20-25 C (68-77 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Minoxidil is used to treat
male-pattern baldness. In women,
it is used to treat diffuse loss of hair or thinning of hair in the frontal
areas of the scalp.
DOSING: Minoxidil should be applied as 1 ml of solution or half a capful of
foam to dry hair and scalp once in the morning and again in the evening. It
should be spread evenly over the affected areas, and then the hands should be
washed with warm water (if the hands are used for application). Minoxidil must
be applied on the scalp at least twice daily and for at least four months to see
results. Minoxidil works less well in patients that are older, have larger areas
of baldness, and have been bald for longer periods of time. Minoxidil should be
applied to a dry scalp only, and left in place for at least four hours. Minoxidil
must be continued in order to maintain or increase the hair growth achieved.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Minoxidil should not be used with other topical
medications because they may increase its absorption and side effects.
PREGNANCY: Minoxidil should not be used in pregnancy because it has not been
studied adequately in pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS: Minoxidil should not be used by nursing women because it has
not been evaluated adequately in nursing mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: Adverse reactions include irritation of the skin, itching,
contact dermatitis, and dryness of the scalp or flaking. An increase in the
absorption of minoxidil from the scalp can occur in patients with damaged skin,
leading to increased side effects. Minoxidil's contains alcohol that can
irritate the eyes. In case of accidental contact with eyes or other sensitive
areas, the exposed area should be washed with cool water.
There are many causes of scalp hair loss. This featured article covers the common ones such as patchy hair loss (alopecia areata, trichotillomania, and tinea capitis), telogen effluvium, and androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness, female-pattern baldness).
Alopecia areata is a condition that causes hair loss on the scalp and sometimes other parts of the body. It is believed to be caused by an abnormality of the immune system that causes the body's immune system to attack the hair follicles. Typically, hair regrows within a year without treatment. Steroid injections, creams, and shampoos may be used during treatment.
Men's health is an important component to a happy lifestyle and healthy relationships. Eating healthy, exercise, managing stress, and knowing when to have medical tests for a particular age is key to disease prevention in men.
There are many causes of scalp hair loss, and they do differ in men and women. This article will cover the common ones. Studies show that losing up to 100-150 hairs per day is normal. Human hair naturally grows in three phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. Anagen is the active or growing phase.
Catagen is a fairly short phase of the natural hair cycle during which hairs begin to break down. Telogen is the resting phase. The hairs that are shed daily are often in the resting or late phase in the hair cycle. Normally, about 10% of the scalp hairs are in the resting or telogen phase at any time. These hairs are not growing and are getting prepared for cyclic shedding.
In general, most hair loss is not associated with systemic or internal disease, nor is poor diet a frequent factor. Frequently, hair may simply thin as a result of predetermined genetic factors, family history, and the overall aging process. Many men and women may n...
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