Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss

University Teaching Trust

Low-dose oral Minoxidil for hair loss

Irving Building The Dermatology Centre 0161 206 9880

© G21021103W. Design Services, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, All Rights Reserved 2021. Document for issue as handout. Unique Identifier: CS11(21). Review date: May 2023. What is oral minoxidil How is low-dose oral treatment? The licensed indication for minoxidil treatment given? People with heart problems Minoxidil is a tablet medication oral minoxidil is severe high Minoxidil is available as a (e.g. heart failure, angina originally used to treat high blood pressure unresponsive to 2.5mg tablet. To achieve the or recent heart attack), blood pressure. Interestingly, a standard treatment. correct dose of 0.625mg per phaeochromocytoma, acute porphyria or significant kidney side effect of this tablet was the Side effects of oral minoxidil day this tablet must be broken problems may not be suitable for development of increased body therapy are dose related and into quarters. A pill cutter this type of treatment. hair growth. include low blood pressure, will be supplied with the first prescription to enable easy This observation ultimately led increased heart rate and fluid cutting of the tablets. to the development of a topical retention (see page 3). Does it work? solution applied directly to the Only take one quarter tablet There is strong evidence that scalp to treat hair loss. Oral minoxidil for hair loss per day. topical minoxidil can increase Topical minoxidil (known as hair growth in male and female At Salford Royal, patients are Regaine®) is now licensed to treat pattern hair loss. considered eligible for oral male and female pattern hair Who can have oral The evidence for oral minoxidil minoxidil treatment if their hair loss and can be brought over the minoxidil treatment? is less strong but has been used loss has not responded to topical counter in most chemists. successfully in post-chemotherapy minoxidil or if these products are You should not have this hair loss, female pattern hair How it improves hair growth not tolerated. treatment if you are pregnant or is not fully understood but is trying to conceive. loss, fragile hair disorders and We use oral minoxidil at much probably due to increased blood alopecia areata. lower doses than those used to All women of childbearing flow to the hair roots. We see treat high blood pressure as this potential must use effective hairs growing for longer and Are there any other can still stimulate hair to grow contraception during the new hair starting to grow more but has a much lower risks of side treatment course and for 1 month treatment options quickly. effects. after to prevent pregnancy. available? In some people topical minoxidil A negative pregnancy test result Yes. There are a number of can cause dry and tangled hair is required before treatment can reported treatments for hair loss. with increased hair breakage, start. which can be an issue particularly Feel free to discuss what in fragile hair conditions. alternative treatment options are available with your Consultant.

© G21021103W. Design Services, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, 1 All Rights Reserved 2021. Document for issue as handout. 2 Unique Identifier: CS11(21). Review date: May 2023. Are there any risks or Do I need to change my What precautions should I complications? For safety, your doctor will need lifestyle in any way? take during treatment? Yes. Although the risk of side to monitor your pulse and blood We know that alcohol taken with If you notice any of the following effects is reduced by using a very pressure at each visit, check your oral minoxidil may increase the please stop taking the medication low dose, the following side blood tests regularly and may also risk of low blood pressure. and contact the department / effects are reported with oral perform a heart tracing (ECG). seek emergency advice: Therefore, we recommend you minoxidil: minimise your alcohol intake l Increased pulse / palpitations l Fluid retention (causing weight Can oral minoxidil be taken whilst on this treatment. Caffeine (>20 bpm higher than normal): gain and/or ankle swelling) with my other medication? containing products (e.g. Always check your pulse when caffeinated drinks / “Cold & Flu” resting l Increased heart rate (= fast Oral minoxidil is known to products) may increase the risk of pulse / palpitations) l Rapid weight gain (>2kg) or interact with a number of a rapid heart rate or palpitations. ankle swelling l Pericarditis / pericardial different medications. l effusion (causing chest pain In particular, it can cause Shortness of breath / chest and/or shortness of breath) significant reduction in blood What if I develop side pain l Low blood pressure (may pressure if given with other anti- effects that worry me? l Dizziness/ light-headedness / cause dizziness / fainting) hypertensive treatments. Before starting treatment you fainting l Increased body hair growth Always inform your doctor / other will be given our contact details. health care professionals that you You can contact us at any time l Skin rashes are taking oral minoxidil before during normal working hours to l Nausea and vomiting you start any new medication. obtain advice or to organise an urgent review if necessary. l Breast tenderness Alcohol intake may also lower If you develop a worrying side l Blood test abnormalities your blood pressure when taken with oral monoxidil. effect over the weekend, you may You may notice some increased need to seek medical advice from hair shedding at start of your local GP out of hours service. treatment. Do not worry, this is If you are unwell and require very common and usually settles urgent treatment you should within 6 weeks. attend your local Accident & Emergency department.

© G21021103W. Design Services, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, 3 All Rights Reserved 2021. Document for issue as handout. 4 Unique Identifier: CS11(21). Review date: May 2023. If you have problems Notes or other unexplained symptoms, please contact the department.

Contact details The Dermatology Centre, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Stott Lane, Salford, M6 8HD. Dr Matthew Harries 0161 206 9880 [email protected]

© G21021103W. Design Services, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, 5 All Rights Reserved 2021. Document for issue as handout. 6 Unique Identifier: CS11(21). Review date: May 2023. © G21021103W. Design Services Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust All Rights Reserved 2021 This document MUST NOT be photocopied University Teaching Trust Information Leaflet Control Policy: Unique Identifier: CS11(21) Review Date: May 2023

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