The drug "Minoxidil" for the beard (reviews of it will be presented later) is often used by men who have very thin hair or they simply grow incorrectly.
About in what form the said tool is sold, we will tell in the material of this article. You will also learn about what is included in the preparation, whether it has analogues, how to use it properly, etc.
Form and composition
In what form is Minoxidil produced for a beard? Reviews of experts say that this drug goes on sale in the form of a powder without any smell. It is quite easily soluble in ethanol, propylene glycol, propanol, methanol, water, and also in some other liquids.
Also, the agent in question can be purchased in a ready-made solution with a concentration of the active substance of 15%, 5% and 2%. In addition, this drug is sold in the form of a spray, foam and tablets.
What is included in the product "Minoxidil" for the beard? Reviews of doctors indicate that minoxidil is its active substance. The finished solution also includes such additional components as propylene glycol, alcohol and water.
pharmachologic effect
Can Minoxidil be used for beard growth and how does this drug work? According to the instructions, the drug in question activates the potassium channels of the membranes of smooth muscle cells in the walls of blood vessels. This drug is characterized by a vasodilating peripheral effect, which dilates the resistive vessels, reduces the load on the myocardium, and also leads to an increase in cardiac output and reflex tachycardia. In addition, this tool is able to increase the activity of plasma renin in the blood, as well as affect the retention of sodium and water in the body.
In the course of studies, it was found that this drug has a stimulating effect on hair growth, especially in the case of androgen-dependent alopecia. This effect is achieved due to vasodilation and improved microcirculation of the hair follicles and skin.
As practice shows, the maximum result is manifested in young patients in the treatment of a disease that lasts less than 10 years. In this case, the size of the bald head can reach 10 cm.
Reviews of the drug "Minoxidil" say that a noticeable effect of the treatment with the considered drug is noticeable after 4 months. However, this is subject to daily use of the solution. It should also be noted that discontinuation of therapy often leads to stunting of new hair. And after 3-4 months, the appearance of the former receding hairline is not ruled out.
Pharmacokinetic properties
Is Minoxidil absorbed for a beard? Reviews of doctors inform us that after taking the tablets inside, they are completely absorbed. The highest concentration of the agent is achieved within 60 minutes.
In the body, this medicine does not come into contact with plasma proteins. However, the active component of the drug can quite easily pass into breast milk.
Withdrawal occurs through the kidneys. As for biotransformation, this process is carried out in the liver with the formation of inactive metabolites.
With topical application of the drug in question on intact skin, absorption is noted at about 1.4%. After taking the drug, it is excreted through the kidneys for 4 days.
Indications for use
The drug "Minoxidil" - a means for the growth of a beard. However, in some cases, this medication is used for other purposes. For example, in the form of tablets, it is often prescribed for arterial hypertension (in severe form), as well as in combination treatment with other antihypertensive drugs. In addition, such a remedy is often used by representatives of the weaker sex with baldness or the presence of very thin hair.
Contraindications
In what cases can not use the drug "Minoxidil"? In the reviews about cosmetics there is information about the following contraindications:
- hypersensitivity to the substances that make up the product;
- lactation, as well as pregnancy;
- the presence of mitral stenosis ;
- the presence of pheochromocytoma;
- secondary pulmonary hypertension.
It should also be noted that the drug in solution is not recommended for use with dermatosis of the scalp and violation of the integrity of the skin.
The drug "Minoxidil" for beard growth
Reviews of men about this tool are mostly positive. To improve beard growth, the stronger sex typically uses a 5% solution.
After applying a local preparation to the skin of the face, vasodilation occurs rapidly, which contributes to an increase in blood microcirculation. Thanks to this effect, the nutrition of hair follicles is markedly increased. It is this fact that leads to increased hair growth from the cannon state to the terminal.
Of course, different people have different results with the use of Minoxidil. Reviews of men (for a beard, this tool is used very often) say that the effect largely depends on the characteristics of the human body. For example, with the same use of the solution for the rapid growth of bristles in some people, the result appears already in the 1st month, and in others - only after 3-4 months.
How long should Minoxidil (5%) be used? Reviews (the beard with the use of such a tool becomes stiff and thick) of specialists indicate that it may take about a year and a half to consolidate the result. Such a long use converts cannon hair on the face into a terminal.
Instructions for use
Minoxidil tablets are intended for oral use only. According to the attached instructions, the initial daily dosage of such a drug for children over 12 years of age and adults is 5 mg. Take this tool preferably twice a day. If necessary, the dosage can be gradually increased.
As for the maintenance daily dose, it is usually 10-40 mg. A day you can take no more than 100 mg of the above funds. For children under 12 years of age, the drug is prescribed once. In this case, the initial dosage is calculated based on the body weight of the child (0.2 mg per kg of body weight).
The average therapeutic dose for children is 0.2-1 mg per kg of body weight. The maximum allowable dosage is 50 mg per kg.
If you decide to use the Minoxidil external solution, then it is advisable to apply it twice a day on the dry surface of the scalp (1 ml each). In this case, the drug should be rubbed very carefully, starting from the center of the damaged area.
Side effects
Does the drug in question have adverse reactions? During its use, completely different side effects can develop that can affect the work of any organ or system. Especially often, the sensory organs and nervous system suffer in patients. In this case, the patient may experience frequent dizziness, headaches, visual impairment and so on.
The following adverse reactions are characteristic of hematopoiesis and the cardiovascular system: a sharp decrease in pressure, arrhythmia, the development of tachycardia, heart failure, angina pectoris, pericardial effusion , thrombopenia and leukopenia.
Various undesirable manifestations on the scalp and skin integument in general are also possible (for example: hypertrichosis, the development of dermatitis, increased pigmentation, folliculitis, eczema, etc.).
Overdose symptoms
If you use the drug "Minoxidil" in large quantities, the patient may experience excessive vasodilation, severe hypotension, chest pain, arrhythmia, neuritis, tachycardia, as well as water and sodium retention in the body. In such cases, symptomatic and supportive therapy is needed.
Drug interaction
Before using the agent in question, it must be taken into account that:
- The simultaneous use of the drug with diuretics, nitrates and beta-blockers can significantly enhance its antihypertensive effect.
- The combination of hair growth products with oral contraceptives, estrogens, NSAIDs and sympathomimetics can weaken the effect of the former.
- The use of the drug in combination with Guanethidine is contraindicated. This is due to the fact that such a combination can easily cause orthostatic hypotension.
Analogs of means
What can replace the drug "Minoxidil"? “Minox”, “Alerana” for beard growth are also often used by those representatives of the stronger sex who can not boast of the presence of thick and luxurious bristles. In addition to the funds listed, some men also use analogues such as Regein, Kosilon, Dualgen (15%), Alopexy, Spectral CSN, Revasil, Generolon.
Drug price
How much does Minoxidil cost? "Alerana" for the beard (reviews of these drugs are listed below) and the original of this tool can be purchased at completely different prices. For example, in pharmacies in Moscow and the Moscow Region, 5% of Minoxidil is sold for 1 month of use at a price of 900 rubles, and for the whole year - from 7300 rubles. If you need a 15% solution, then you will have to pay about 2300 rubles for it.
Agree, the cost of the medicine is quite high. However, experts say that this is a reasonable price. After all, at the exit you will definitely get a thick and luxurious head of hair that will come to sour cream with liquid hair and bald patches.
Reviews about the tool
Few people know that the drug we examined is common not only in our country, but in other states.
Reviews about this tool are ambiguous. Some patients report that the therapy was highly effective and they achieved an ideal result. At the same time, reviews of the fairer sex are much more common than the responses of men.
According to those who have ever used the drug in question, the effect of this drug is noticeable already three months after the start of treatment. In the affected areas of the skin, hairs begin to appear, which darken and thicken over time.
In addition to women, this drug is actively used by the male half of humanity. Using this tool, they quickly become the owners of brutal bristles and luxurious hair.
It should also be noted that, in addition to positive reviews about the drug "Minoxidil", there are often reports of people who have not been affected by the treatment. Such users claim that they accurately followed all the requirements of the instructions and used the solution for a rather long time. However, they did not see the result. Experts attribute this to the fact that the drug should be used only according to indications, and more precisely, with androgenic alopecia. And as you know, only an experienced doctor can diagnose such a disease.