Minoxidil Tablets, Certification : ISO-9001: 2008 Certified

Minoxidil 5mg tablets are an oral medication containing Minoxidil, a potent vasodilator. While it was initially developed and primarily used to treat severe hypertension (high blood pressure) that is not manageable with other medications, it is also widely used off-label for the treatment of hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness).

Key Descriptions and Uses:

• Antihypertensive: As a vasodilator, minoxidil works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which allows blood to flow more easily and thus lowers blood pressure. It is typically prescribed for severe or refractory hypertension, often in conjunction with a diuretic (to control fluid retention) and a beta-blocker (to control reflex tachycardia, or fast heartbeat, which can be a side effect of vasodilation).

• Hair Growth Stimulant: For hair loss, oral minoxidil is believed to work by increasing blood flow to hair follicles, stimulating them, and extending the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. This promotes new hair growth and reduces hair thinning, leading to thicker and fuller hair over time. It is often used when topical minoxidil is not effective or preferred.

• Appearance: Minoxidil 5mg tablets are often described as oval, white to off-white, with a score line on one side and "5 " debossed on the other.

Mechanism of Action (How it works):

Minoxidil is a prodrug that is converted to its active form, minoxidil sulfate, by the sulfotransferase enzyme in the body. While the exact mechanism for hair growth is not fully understood, it is thought to involve:

• Potassium Channel Opener: Minoxidil sulfate is an adenosine 5 '-triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel opener. By opening these channels, it causes hyperpolarization of cell membranes, which can relax vascular smooth muscle (leading to blood pressure reduction) and potentially influence hair follicle activity.

• Increased Blood Flow: It is believed to increase blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients to the hair follicles, which helps to revive dormant follicles and stimulate growth.

• Hair Cycle Modulation: It can shorten the telogen (resting) phase and prolong the anagen (growth) phase of hair, leading to increased hair length and thickness.

• Growth Factor Induction: Minoxidil may induce cell growth factors like VEGF, HGF, and IGF-1, which are important for hair growth.

Important Considerations and Side Effects:

• Prescription Only: Oral minoxidil is a prescription-only medication due to its potent effects, particularly on blood pressure.

• Side Effects (for both uses, but more prominent with higher doses for hypertension):

  • Common: Increased hair growth (hypertrichosis) on the body (face, arms, back, legs), weight gain (due to fluid retention), fast heartbeat (tachycardia), headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting.

  • Serious (especially with high doses for hypertension): Fluid retention leading to heart failure, chest pain, low blood pressure (hypotension), pericarditis (swelling around the heart).

  • Hair Shedding: Initially, some users may experience increased hair shedding, which is a temporary phase as dormant hairs are shed to make way for new growth.

• Dosage: The dosage for high blood pressure and hair loss differs. For hair loss, lower doses (e.g., 0.25mg to 5mg daily) are typically used, often off-label. For hypertension, the starting dose is usually 5mg once daily, and can be increased up to 40mg or even 100mg daily in divided doses.