Minoxidil+finasteride
About Minoxidil+finasteride
Minoxidil+finasteride belongs to a class of combination drug primarily used to treat alopecia (hair loss). Minoxidil+finasteride stimulates hair growth and slows down the process of balding. It is used to promote hair growth in androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). Alopecia is the thinning or loss of hair on the scalp or any part of the body. Androgenetic alopecia is the permanent hair loss from the scalp that causes baldness.
Minoxidil+finasteride consists of two medicines, namely Minoxidil (vasodilator) and Finasteride (5-alpha-reductase inhibitor). Minoxidil is a vasodilator that widens and the blood vessels and opens potassium channels. This vasodilation process helps provide oxygen, blood, and nutrients to the hair follicles, thereby preventing the hair cell death and promoting new hair growth. Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. It reduces dihydrotestosterone (male hormone) levels, thereby preventing thinning of hair follicles in people with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss).
Use Minoxidil+finasteride as suggested by your doctor. Along with its needed effects, Minoxidil+finasteride may sometimes produce unwanted effects. Some common side effects of Minoxidil+finasteride include excessive hair growth, headache, skin irritation, itching, and dermatitis (itchy inflammation of the skin). These side effects usually do not require medical attention and gradually resolve during the treatment. If you experience any other symptoms you think may be due to Minoxidil+finasteride, please consult your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.
Do not use Minoxidil+finasteride for abrasion, sunburn, and psoriasis since Minoxidil can cause sodium and water retention, angina (chest pain), pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart), and other heart problems. Do not apply the topical form of Minoxidil+finasteride on shaved, inflamed, infected, irritated or painful scalp skin. Let your doctor know if you have a history of liver disease and urinary obstruction (blockage of urine flow) before using Minoxidil+finasteride. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult the doctor before starting Minoxidil+finasteride.
Uses of Minoxidil+finasteride
Medicinal Benefits
Minoxidil+finasteride is a combination medicine of Minoxidil (vasodilator), and Finasteride (5-alpha-reductase inhibitor) used to treat alopecia (hair loss). Minoxidil is a vasodilator that stimulates hair growth and prevents baldness. When applied topically, Minoxidil promotes blood flow to the hair follicles, thereby providing sufficient nutrition and oxygen to the hair cell. This process of supplying oxygen and nutrients to the hair cell prevents its death and stimulates hair growth. Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor which reduces dihydrotestosterone (male hormone) levels, thereby preventing thinning of hair follicles in people with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Minoxidil+finasteride
- Excessive hair growth
- Headache
- Skin irritation
- Itching
- Dermatitis
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Androgenetic alopecia: It is also known as male or female pattern baldness. In male-pattern baldness, hair loss occurs on the top and front of the head. On the other hand, in female pattern baldness, thinning occurs on the top and crown of the head. This condition is usually genetic in nature or mediated by the excessive secretion of the androgen dihydrotestosterone in both genders.
FAQs
Minoxidil+finasteride contains Minoxidil and Finasteride. Minoxidil is a vasodilator that widens and relaxes the constricted blood vessels promoting the blood flow to the hair cells. This process helps nourish the hair cells with the supply of oxygen and nutrients and stimulate hair growth. Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase and inhibits miniaturization/thinning of hair follicles in patients with androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern hair loss).
Hair growth is a slow process, and it usually takes 4 months to see the best results of Minoxidil+finasteride. It is advisable to apply at least 2 times a day for better result.
Minoxidil+finasteride is for topical (scalp area) use only and not other parts. Do not put bandage or dressing on the affected area while treating with Minoxidil+finasteride. If the medicine gets into your eyes, nose or mouth, rinse with cold water. Do not blow-dry your scalp after using Minoxidil+finasteride. Do not apply the topical form of Minoxidil+finasteride on shaved, inflamed, infected, irritated or painful scalp skin.
Please consult your doctor before using Minoxidil+finasteride if you have liver disease and urinary obstruction (blockage of urine flow). Do not apply the topical form of Minoxidil+finasteride on shaved, inflamed, infected, irritated or painful scalp skin. Let your doctor know if your allergic to Minoxidil+finasteride or any of its components, such as propylene glycol and ethanol (alcohol). Do not use a topical form of Minoxidil+finasteride, if you have high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythms), sunburn, and psoriasis.
Minoxidil+finasteride is for scalp use and do not apply it on your face since it causes undesirable facial hair growth. If Minoxidil+finasteride gets in contact with any other body areas, rinse with water thoroughly.
Do not use Minoxidil+finasteride for beard growth. Minoxidil+finasteride is recommended for only hair loss on the scalp.
According to the FDA's guidelines, women can use only 2% of Minoxidil for hair loss. Hence, it is better to avoid Minoxidil+finasteride in women unless advised by the doctor.
Do not freeze Minoxidil+finasteride. Please keep it away from direct sunlight. Keep Minoxidil+finasteride foam canister away from open flame or high heat, since it may explode. Do not puncture or burn an empty canister.
