Minoxidil+finasteride
About Minoxidil+finasteride
Minoxidil+finasteride is used to treat alopecia (hair loss). It stimulates hair growth and slows down the process of balding. Minoxidil+finasteride is used to promote hair growth in androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). Androgenetic alopecia is the permanent hair loss from the scalp that causes baldness.
Minoxidil+finasteride contains Minoxidil and Finasteride. Minoxidil widens the blood vessels and helps provide oxygen, blood, and nutrients to the hair follicles. Finasteride reduces dihydrotestosterone (male hormone) levels, thereby preventing thinning of hair follicles.
Minoxidil+finasteride may cause side effects like unwanted non-scalp hair growth, headache, skin irritation, itching, and dermatitis (itchy inflammation of the skin). If any of these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.
Do not use Minoxidil+finasteride if you are allergic to any of its components. Do not apply Minoxidil+finasteride on shaved, inflamed, infected, irritated or painful scalp skin. Minoxidil+finasteride is intended for use by men only and must not be used by women, particularly during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Uses of Minoxidil+finasteride
• Treatment of androgenetic alopecia: Minoxidil+finasteride reduces hair loss and stimulates new hair growth in male pattern baldness.
• Promotes hair regrowth: Minoxidil promotes hair regrowth by widening blood vessels and improving blood flow to hair follicles.
• Reduces scalp DHT levels: Finasteride reduces dihydrotestosterone (DHT) locally, a significant factor in hair follicle atrophy and hair loss.
• Improves hair density: Regular use may result in more and thicker hair strands on the scalp.
• Maintains existing hair: Minoxidil+finasteride preserves present hair follicles, preventing further thinning.
Medicinal Benefits
- Minoxidil+finasteride is a combination medication containing Minoxidil (a vasodilator) and Finasteride (a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor), used for the treatment of alopecia (hair loss).
- It stimulates hair growth by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, providing essential oxygen and nutrients that promote healthy hair growth and prevent follicle death.
- Minoxidil+finasteride prevents hair thinning by lowering levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles, thereby reducing hair thinning and slowing the progression of androgenetic alopecia.
- It improves hair density, enhances hair volume, thickness, and scalp coverage over time.
- Minoxidil+finasteride helps maintain existing hair and delays further balding.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safe and effective use.
- Apply the advised amount of Minoxidil+finasteride on the affected areas of the scalp. Gently massage the medicine into the skin with your fingers. Wash your hands after applying.
- It is only for external use. Avoid contact of Minoxidil+finasteride with the nose, mouth, or eyes. If it comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly.
Storage
Side Effects of Minoxidil+finasteride
- Excessive hair growth
- Headache
- Skin irritation
- Itching
- Dermatitis
Drug Warnings
- Do not use Minoxidil+finasteride if you are allergic to any of its components.
- Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, urinary obstruction (blockage of urine flow), high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythms).
- Minoxidil+finasteride is intended for use by men only and must not be used by women, particularly during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If a pregnant woman is exposed to Minoxidil+finasteride, she should consult a doctor immediately.
- Let your doctor know if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking any other medications.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: No interactions were found.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions were found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms, chest pains, or circulation disorders.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorThe interaction of Minoxidil+finasteride with alcohol is unknown. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your doctor.
Pregnancy
not applicableIt is only for men.
Breast Feeding
not applicableIt is only for men.
Driving
cautionMinoxidil+finasteride may cause dizziness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience visual disturbances.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver disease or hepatic impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Minoxidil+finasteride.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney disease. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Minoxidil+finasteride. However, it should be used cautiously in patients with kidney problems and urinary obstruction.
Children
unsafeSafety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintaining a healthy diet with well-balanced meals is advised.
- Avoid overusing styling tools like blow dryers, curling rods, and chemical dyes, which can cause loss of natural hair oils and hair fall.
- Regular oiling helps in the blood circulation of the scalp and nourishes the roots.
- Washing your hair twice a week with a good shampoo and conditioner can also improve your hair fall.
- Practice yoga and meditation to control your stress, which is the greatest enemy of hair fall.
- Get regular medical examinations to check your hormonal profile and nutritional deficiencies that cause hair fall.
Special Advise
- It is advised to monitor your hormonal and vitamin D profiles, which can affect your hair loss.
- Avoid contact of topical Minoxidil+finasteride with nose, mouth, eyes or broken, irritated skin as it may irritate. In case Minoxidil+finasteride comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Androgenetic alopecia: It is also known as male or female pattern baldness. In male-pattern baldness, hair loss occurs on the top and front of the head. This condition is usually genetic in nature or mediated by the excessive secretion of the androgen dihydrotestosterone.
FAQs
Minoxidil+finasteride is used to treat androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness).
Minoxidil+finasteride contains Minoxidil and Finasteride. Minoxidil is a vasodilator that widens and relaxes the constricted blood vessels, promoting the blood flow to the hair cells. This process helps nourish the hair cells with a supply of oxygen and nutrients and stimulates hair growth. Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor and inhibits miniaturisation/thinning of hair follicles in patients with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss).
Minoxidil+finasteride is for topical (scalp area) use only and not other parts. Do not put a bandage or dressing on the affected area while treating with Minoxidil+finasteride. If the medicine gets into your eyes, nose or mouth, rinse with cold water. Do not blow-dry your scalp after using Minoxidil+finasteride. Do not apply the topical form of Minoxidil+finasteride on shaved, inflamed, infected, irritated or painful scalp skin.
Please consult your doctor before using Minoxidil+finasteride if you have liver disease and urinary obstruction (blockage of urine flow). Do not apply the topical form of Minoxidil+finasteride on shaved, inflamed, infected, irritated or painful scalp skin. Let your doctor know if you're allergic to Minoxidil+finasteride or any of its components, such as propylene glycol and ethanol (alcohol). Do not use a topical form of Minoxidil+finasteride if you have high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythms), sunburn, or psoriasis.
Minoxidil+finasteride is for scalp use and should not be applied to your face since it causes undesirable facial hair growth. If Minoxidil+finasteride gets in contact with any other body areas, rinse with water thoroughly.
Do not use Minoxidil+finasteride for beard growth. Minoxidil+finasteride is recommended for only hair loss on the scalp.
While using Minoxidil+finasteride, you should avoid smoking as it can catch fire and burn easily. You should avoid contact of Minoxidil+finasteride with nose, mouth, eyes or broken skin. If Minoxidil+finasteride comes in contact with these areas, wash with water immediately.
Yes, after you stop using Minoxidil+finasteride, your hair loss may continue. Therefore, take your doctor’s advice before stopping Minoxidil+finasteride.
No, Minoxidil+finasteride is not meant for oiling your hair. It’s a hair loss treatment and should only be used as directed by the doctor.
No, you should not blow-dry your hair after applying Minoxidil+finasteride. You can use a blow-dryer after washing your hair. But it’s best to wait at least 4 hours before blow-drying or washing your hair, as this can reduce the effectiveness of Minoxidil+finasteride.
No, taking a higher dose of Minoxidil+finasteride will not be effective. Moreover, it can result in over-absorption of Minoxidil+finasteride into body and cause unwanted side effects. Please, consult a doctor you experience increased severity of symptoms.
You will be able to tell Minoxidil+finasteride is working if you notice a gradual decrease in hair loss. New hair may also begin to grow in thinning areas which will often be softer and lighter in colour. Over time, it will blend with your existing hair. Keep in mind that it may take a few months to see full results. So using the product consistently is important.
Store Minoxidil+finasteride at room temperature. Protect from light. Do not freeze. Keep it out of reach from children. Disposal of Minoxidil+finasteride is done by following the local guidelines.
If the side effects worsen or persist, stop using Minoxidil+finasteride and immediately consult your doctor.
Yes, you can use styling products after the Minoxidil+finasteride dries completely. However, avoid overusing styling products, like blow dryers, curling rods which leads to loss of natural hair oils and hair fall.
If you stop using Minoxidil+finasteride, hair loss may re-occur, and any new hair growth could be lost. To maintain results, its important to take Minoxidil+finasteride as advised by the doctor. The side effects like skin irritation, headache, and itching may be seen. However, consult a doctor before the side effects worsen.
No, Minoxidil+finasteride is only for external use on the scalp. Do not apply on other body parts.
Yes, you should inform your doctor about other medicines before using Minoxidil+finasteride, as it may cause drug interactions in some cases.
Minoxidil+finasteride can cause side effects such as scalp itching, irritation, pain, redness at the site of application, and excessive hair growth on other body parts. However, consult the doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
