Everything about minoxidil, the birth of the product and the effects of minoxidil

Introduction
In 1988, Pharmacia & Upzone Company announced the first FDA-approved product to regenerate hair. As of 2000, Rogaine is still the only topical treatment for hair growth. While giving hope to alopecia sufferers, the early effects of Rogaine were not surprising. Partly because of high expectations for this “miracle” drug, partly because the FDA only approved a 2% solution.

After being certified as safe by the FDA, in 1996, Rogaine Extra Strength, a 5% minoxidil, was approved as an over-the-counter drug for men. Minoxidil lived up to the expectations of many as Rogaine Extra, which shows that the stronger the better.

what is rogaine

Rogaine is a pure alcohol-based solution that is applied twice a day as a spray or drop to the area of ​​thinning hair. Rogaine's active ingredient was originally used to treat high blood pressure until it was discovered that it promotes hair growth.

how it works

Research into how minoxidil makes hair grow has been the subject of research for several years. Scientists initially believed it to act as a vasodilator, promoting blood flow to the hair follicles. However, recent research suggests that minoxidil plays a role in opening a channel for potassium (potassium) in the cells of the hair follicle. Opening intracellular potassium channels has been recommended as a method of regulating hair growth. Regardless of exactly how minoxidil works, rogaine stimulates quiescent follicles and restores hair follicle shrinkage. For this reason, Rogaine, with its special action without unwanted side effects, is used as a means of treatment for all types of hair loss.

What effect can you expect?

The effect of Rogaine varies greatly from person to person, but clinical studies generally showed a hair growth effect of 25%. Rogaine also increased the thickness and weight of existing hair. Ultimately, the effects of Rogaine depend on the severity and duration of hair loss. It is not a miraculous treatment method, but good effects can be expected when used continuously. Continued treatment is the key to success, as stopping Rogaine can cause hair to fall out within six months. Rogaine's results, on the other hand, may become less effective over time, and some doctors believe that tolerance develops after years of use. One way to treat this tolerance is to stop taking it for 1-2 weeks once every 3-4 months. However, this method is not recommended for those who have not used it continuously for at least 12 months.

Rogaine and DHT

Unfortunately, Rogaine does not eliminate or reduce DHT, which causes alopecia caused by androgens, the male hormone. However, it can be treated with a combination of Rogaine and a DHT inhibitor. In fact, some dermatologists have recommended using Rogaine in combination with Propecia, and studies have shown that the two drugs work synergistically, much better than either alone. Pharmacia, the maker of Rogaine, actually owns a patent for the combination of Rogaine and a DHT inhibitor or antiandrogen.

Rogaine for women

Although some women use Rogaine, to date the product has not been approved for use by women. Upzone sells a brand of Rogaine for women, but it is no different from 2% Rogaine for men, so it doesn't matter whether you use the same drug or use Rogaine for men 2%. The main reason women can't use Extra Strength Rogaine is that it can cause excessive facial hair growth. Women should consult their doctor before using any version higher than 2% Rogaine. Pregnant or lactating women should also consult a physician before use.

Products and special manufacturing prescriptions before trademark registration

The Rhogain 5% Extra is suitable for most men and comes with a 90-day guarantee. However, since the results of minoxidil vary depending on the content, some doctors specially manufacture it by increasing the strength up to 15%. Unfortunately, minoxidil crystallizes at 10%, so it has to be formulated in cream form at higher strengths. This robust formula has not yet been approved for use by the FDA and is available to patients only by prescription. Upzone's patent on 2% minoxidil has expired, so any company can manufacture its own version of minoxidil. Although this drug has the same ingredients, it can be sold at a lower price. Currently, Upzone can resell 5% minoxidil, but this patent right will expire in November 2000. Then 5% minoxidil could be sold at a lower price like over-the-counter drugs.

Side Effect

Side effects are rare, but occasionally contact dermatitis or inflammation caused by the alcohol content of Rogaine may occur. Excessive dose may cause rapid heartbeat or dizziness, but it is rarely found under normal use.

The discovery of minoxidil and the discovery effect of hyminoxidil

→ Minoxidil (US Rogain) is the first FDA-approved, approved hair loss treatment method. Minoxidil, the only approved treatment for topical application, is effective only when the hair root is alive. Although the hair loss prevention effect is considerable, the hair growth effect is only less than 10%, and thick hair was difficult to come out. Experts explain that if you mix Minoxidil and Propecia with different pharmacological mechanisms, you can expect a synergistic effect on hair growth. In fact, synergy has been demonstrated in some patients using it, but official clinical results have not yet been published. Minoxidil is a topical liquid that is used on the scalp twice a day and extensive research has been done on how minoxidil has a hair growth effect.

→ Minoxidil was originally used as a treatment for high blood pressure with vasodilatory action . However, when taking this drug, as a side effect, 2% minoxidil solution was made and released under the name of Rogaine. When it expires, other companies make similar products and sell them cheaply, so they make and sell 2% and 5% of them. In terms of effectiveness, it was found that 5% was more effective than 2%. Comparison of photos before and after treatment in a study where minoxidil solution was applied twice a dayModerate to dark hair growth was observed in 30-35%, and twice a day application is required for a good therapeutic effect. In a study in which 2% minoxidil solution was applied twice a day to 256 women with androgenetic alopecia (ages 18 to 45), mild or moderate hair growth was observed in 63% of the pre- and post-treatment photos. In terms of effectiveness, 2% 5% was found to be more effective than

The domestic 5% solution is sold at 15,000 won for 50ml, and about 35,000 won for 150ml solution. (The picture is different from the product sold in Korea.)

Minoxidil product information (user manual)

Domestic minoxidil sales companies and their drug names: Hyundai Pharm - Minoxidil, Hanmi Pharm - Moxidil, Choongwae Pharm - It was manufactured based on Boldmin.

product status


Colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid

usage, dose

30ml, 50m l: Spray is included, so open the container lid and insert the spray. About 0.12ml is sprayed when spraying once, so spray 4 to 8 times at a time.

150 m l: A dispenser with a sprayer is included. When using the product, divide the liquid in a small container and use it. Since about 0.12ml is sprayed when spraying once, spray 4~8 times at a time. After application, lightly massage with your fingertips.

efficacy, effect

Androgenetic alopecia
A. Acts on the peripheral blood vessels around the hair follicle to induce local blood flow to promote hair growth.

B. It directly acts on the hair follicle epithelium to induce hair growth.

C. Addition of panthenol, a normal physiologically active substance for hair, provides nourishing and moisturizing effect to existing and new hair.

Characteristic


Minoxidil was originally used as a vasodilator for the treatment of severe hypertension that does not work well with general hypertension treatment. Minoxidil solution is a topical application developed with the focus on hair growth as described above. It is a treatment for alopecia that has superior effects than existing cosmetic preparations and quasi-drugs for hair growth.

Precautions for use


Do not use in the following patients
a) Patients with hypersensitivity to the components of this drug

b) Patients with cardiovascular disease (especially patients with low blood pressure) 

It should be used with caution in the following cases:
a) Minoxidil from the skin is absorbed in a small amount and may cause systemic effects such as salt and water retention, edema, pericardial effusion, pericarditis, embolism, tachycardia, and angina. It should be observed whether it occurs, and if systemic side effects occur, use should be discontinued. However, fluid retention and edema can be treated with diuretics if necessary, and tachycardia and angina can be controlled with B-adrenergic blockers or sympathetic inhibitors.

b) If systemic effects or severe skin reactions occur, stop taking this drug and receive treatment

Side effects
a) Mild skin reactions such as itching, scabies, erythema, redness, dermatitis, dry skin, hirsutism (sites other than where this drug has been applied), folliculitis, burning sensation and local irritation including dermatitis may occur most frequently.

b) allergic reactions (hypersensitivity, urticaria, allergic rhinitis, systemic erythema and facial edema), dizziness, tingling, headache, weakness, syncope, neuritis, edema, eye irritation, change in taste, otitis (especially otitis externa), visual disturbance; Sexual dysfunction, fractures, abdominal pain, and tendinitis may occasionally appear.

c) Hair abnormalities, chest pain, blood pressure changes, pulse changes, palpitations, alopecia areata, hepatitis and kidney stones may occur rarely.

General precautions
a) Use this drug according to the doctor's or pharmacist's instructions 


b) Before using this drug, the

doctor or pharmacist should check the patient's health and scalp abnormalities. Local exfoliation or dermatitis may increase the absorption of minoxidil, increasing the risk of side effects. In addition, patients considering the use of this drug should have a history and physical examination. Patients with a history of heart disease should be aware that side effects can be particularly severe if they occur.


c) Be careful not to get into the eyes 

d) Since this medicine may cause burns and irritation of the eyes, if this medicine comes into contact with sensitive areas such as eyes, peeled skin, and mucous membranes, the area should be washed with plenty of cold water.

e) The effect of this drug in patients with other skin diseases is unknown.

f) Concomitant use with external corticoids, retinoids, vaseline, or other drugs known to cause transdermal absorption is prohibited.


Drug interactions
There are no known drug interactions related to the use of this drug.
Although not clinically proven, it has the potential to increase orthostatic hypotension in patients who continue to take guanecidine.

Administration to
Pregnant and Nursing Women F. Pregnant women and lactating women should not use this drug because the systemically absorbed minoxidil is excreted through breast milk

Administration to Children
The efficacy and safety of this drug in patients younger than 18 years of age have not been established.

Administration to the
elderly The efficacy and safety of this drug in elderly patients 65 years of age or older have not been established.

Overdosage
Systemic effects related to the vasodilatory action of minoxidil may occur when this drug is taken. Most of the signs and symptoms of drug overdose are fluid retention, enhancement of blood pressure, and cardiovascular action associated with tachycardia. Fluid retention can be adequately treated with diuretics and tachycardia can be controlled with administration of B-adrenergic blockers. In case of hypotension, physiological saline should be administered intravenously. Sympathomimetic agents such as norepinephrine should be avoided because they excessively stimulate the heart.

Precautions for application
Since taking this drug may cause serious side effects, use it only for external use and do not use it on areas other than the scalp

Storage Precautions
Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

As a result of other
animal experiments, it has been reported that mammary gland cancer and adrenal tumors occurred in female mice and adrenal and epidermal tumors occurred in male rats by minoxidil.