How does it work?

Minoxidil is a medicine used for the treatment of male pattern baldness. It is not currently known how minoxidil stimulates hair growth. Minoxidil was first used in tablet form as a medicine to treat high blood pressure (an anti-hypertensive). 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. It may take twice daily applications for at least 2 to 4 months for hair re-growth to occur. If it does occur, continued twice daily applications are necessary for continued hair growth. Regaine exists as two strengths, Regular Strength and Extra Strength. Regaine Extra Strength must not be used by women.

What is it used for?

Male pattern hair loss (alopecia androgenetica) in people aged 18-65

Warning!

Wash your hands after applying this medicine to avoid inadvertently transfering it to other areas.

Avoid use on broken or inflamed skin.

This preparation is for external use only.

Avoid inhaling the spray mist when using the pump spray applicator.

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.

Do not apply to areas other than the scalp.

Regaine Extra Strength is not to be used by women.

Discontinue use if there is no improvement after a year.

Discontinue use 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.

Hair may shed on initial treatment due to old hairs falling out as new hairs grow in their place. If shedding persists for longer than 2 weeks discontinue treatment and consult your doctor.

This medicine is not recommended for people under 18 or over 65 years of age, as there is no information available regarding its safety in these age groups.

Not to be used in

Breastfeeding

People who are using other medicines applied to the scalp or occlusive dressings

People with a shaved scalp

Pregnancy

Scalp abnormality e.g. psoriasis or sunburn

Treated or untreated high blood pressure

Women (Regaine Extra Strength only)

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.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. The manufacturer therefore advises that it should be avoided during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. For this reason, the manufacturer states that it should not be used during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

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 (pruritus)

Irritation in area of use

Dry skin

Flushing of the 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?

Medicines applied to the skin that are capable of increasing skin permeability, including corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone, retinoids such as isotretinoin, dithranol and urea, should not be used in conjunction with minoxidil lotion. This is because they might cause more minoxidil to be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, resulting in a greater risk of side-effects.

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