If you’ve ever wondered how to apply minoxidil to your hair, you’ve come to the right place. Learn about application time, side effects, and storage. This article will help you get the most out of this popular hair growth treatment. Follow these tips and you’ll soon see noticeable results.
Application time
One study measured the time it took for a topical solution of 2% minoxidil to be absorbed into the skin. It found that minoxidil was absorbed 50% more quickly at four hours than it was at one hour. In addition, absorption increased rapidly over time. After four hours, minoxidil had already reached 75% of its maximum concentration.
However, one should use the shedding from minoxidil only after the hair is washed and completely dry. The reason for this is that the product can react with other medicines, including herbal and complementary medicines. Therefore, it’s best to apply the treatment at least an hour before bedtime. Then, wait another twelve hours before using it again.
The average person will need one milliliter of minoxidil solution for one treatment. The solution comes with a dropper so it’s easy to dispense the correct amount. You can either apply the solution onto your fingertips, or you can apply it directly to your scalp.
Dosage
Systemic minoxidil is a vasodilator with potential for tachycardia and reflex hypotension. Therefore, it should be used with caution and under close supervision. The drug is usually given with a beta-blocker to prevent reflex tachycardia and increased workload on the heart. It is also administered with a diuretic such as an ascending loop of Henle diuretic, to prevent peripheral edema or fluid accumulation.
When treating a patient with high blood pressure, the dosage of minoxidil should be increased gradually, typically by 50 to 100 milligrams per day. If the blood pressure drops, the dose should be decreased gradually. Patients should be monitored closely and a doctor should adjust the dosage at least once every three days.
Dosage of minoxidil is usually determined by measuring minoxidil concentrations in the blood. One study found that minoxidil at 100 mg/day produced peak blood levels of 1641 ng/mL in two patients. Although it is difficult to establish an exact overdosage level, a substantial increase above 2000 ng/mL should be considered an overdose.
Side effects
Although there are few known side effects that minoxidil, it’s important to follow the proper dosage for safe use. The normal starting dosage is 5 mg, and it can be increased to 10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg as needed. Do not double the dosage; this will increase the risk of side effects. Also, be sure to keep the medication out of the eye, mouth, and nose, as it can cause irritation when applied to these areas. It’s a common question that what happens when you stop using rogaine? It causes more side effect.
Another side effect of minoxidil is low blood pressure. People who take this drug together with guanethidine should check their blood pressure before starting this treatment. It’s not known if the two medications can cause low blood pressure, but they can reduce it temporarily. People with heart conditions should consult their doctors before starting this treatment, as taking too much can worsen cardiovascular problems, and high dosages can cause fluid retention.
When using minoxidil, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after applying it. This medication can damage other parts of your body, so be careful not to get it on your hands, or anywhere else on your body. Also, make sure to only apply minoxidil on dry skin, and never use it on sensitive areas. If you do get the product on your hair, be sure to call your doctor immediately if you experience irritation.
Storage
When you need to use minoxidil, it’s important to store it in an easy-to-remember place. Ideally, the solution should be kept in a safe place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. It should also be stored out of reach of children. Another tip is to place a sticky note in a visible place on the container to remind you to use it.
Topical minoxidil should be stored between 59 degrees F and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Minoxidil foam should be stored upright and protected from high temperatures. Oral minoxidil, on the other hand, should be stored at temperatures of 68 to 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C). Never use minoxidil that has passed its expiration date, as it can cause serious side effects.