Regaine for men extra strength

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > R



How does it work?

Regaine for men extra strength solution contains the active ingredient minoxidil, which is a medicine used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. It is not fully understood how minoxidil stimulates hair growth.

Minoxidil was first used in tablet form as a medicine to treat high blood pressure (an antihypertensive). It was noticed that patients being treated with minoxidil experienced excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis) as a side effect. Further research showed that hair growth could also be stimulated by applying a solution of minoxidil directly to the scalp. The amount of minoxidil absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream is usually too small to cause internal side effects.

Minoxidil dilates the tiny blood vessels in the scalp, which increases the blood circulation to the hair follicles. This may be how minoxidil stimulates hair growth.

The solution should be applied to the affected areas of the scalp twice a day. The scalp and hair should be dry before applying the solution. It may take twice daily applications for at least two months for any hair regrowth to become noticable.

Regaine will not work for everyone and it is not possible to predict individual responses. If there is no improvement after a year you should stop using the treatment.

If your hair growth is stimulated, you will need to keep using Regaine twice a day for the growth to continue. Regrown hair may disappear three to four months after you stop using Regaine and the balding process will then continue.

What is it used for?

- Hereditary male pattern hair loss in men aged 18 to 65 years.

Warning!

- This preparation is for external use only.
- Do not apply to areas other than the scalp.
- Wash your hands after applying this medicine to avoid inadvertently transfering it to other areas.
- Avoid use on broken or inflamed skin.
- Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes and the moist membranes lining the inside of certain parts of the body, eg mouth, nasal passages (mucous membranes). Rinse with cold water if accidental contact occurs.
- Avoid inhaling the spray mist when using the pump spray applicator.
- Stop using this medicine and consult your doctor if you experience chest pain, increased heart rate, faintness, dizziness, sudden unexplained weight gain, swollen hands or feet, or persistant redness or irritation of the scalp.
- Your hair may shed when you first start using this medicine. This is due to old hairs falling out as new hairs grow in their place. If shedding persists for longer than two weeks, discontinue treatment and consult your doctor.

Use with caution in

- Heart disease or an irregular heart beat. If you have a heart condition you should consult your doctor before using this medicine.

Not to be used in

- Women (a lower strength product is available for women - see end of factsheet)
- Allergy to minoxidil, ethanol or propylene glycol
- Treated or untreated high blood pressure
- Any scalp abnormality, eg psoriasis, eczema, sunburn or broken skin
- Men with a shaved scalp
- Men who are using other medicines or occlusive dressings applied to the scalp.
- This medicine is not recommended for men under 18 or over 65 years of age, as there is no information available regarding its safety in these age groups.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Itching
- Skin irritation
- Dry skin
- Flushing of the scalp skin due to widening of the small blood vessels (erythema)
- Flaking scalp
- Unwanted growth of hair on other parts of the body
- Worsening of hair loss

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

Certain medicines that are applied to the skin can increase the permeability of the skin. These include corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone, retinoids such as isotretinoin or tretinoin, dithranol, urea and vaseline. You should not use Regaine if you are using any other medicines on your scalp, because they might cause more minoxidil to be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. This could increase the risk of any side effects.

You should not use Regaine if you are taking any medicines for high blood pressure. This because there is a theoretical risk that the Regaine could enhance the effect of the blood pressure medication and make you feel dizzy.

The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use © Copyright 1998 - 2009 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved