Pharm
Minoxidil
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Minoxidil
, Rogaine
Indications
Androgenetic Alopecia
Preparations
Regular Strength 2%
Cost to pharmacist
Brand Name: $25/month, $300/year
Gene
ric: $13/month, $156/year
Extra Strength 5%
Cost to pharmacist: $30/month, $360/year
Not more effective than 2% in
Androgenetic Alopecia
Indicated as adjunct in
Alopecia Areata
Higher
Incidence
of facial
Hypertrichosis
Mechanism
Increases
Hair Shaft
epithelial cell growth
Potentiated by
Retin A
Direct effect on
Hair Follicle
Activates
Hair Follicle
s in
Catagen
Extends
Anagen
duration
Expands
Hair Follicle
s
Decreases hair shedding
Dosing
Apply bid to dry scalp
Spray 6 times (1 ml) or
Dropper bottle
Wash hands carefully after applying
Reduces risk of spread to face and
Hypertrichosis
Advantages
Appropriate for both men and women
Modestly effective
Most effective for vertex baldness
Vertex baldness under 5 years
Hair Loss
under 10 cm (4 inch) diameter
Disadvantages
Less effective for frontal
Hair Loss
New hair lost when treatment discontinued
Adverse effects
Hypertrichosis
(excessive facial hair)
Resolves by one year even if Minoxidil continued
Bleach more evident darker hairs
Pruritus
of scalp
Allergic or
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
(usually to propylene glycol)
Compounding pharmacist can use alternative base
References
Price (1999) N Engl J Med 341:964-73 [PubMed]
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