Is This Popular FDA Approved

Is This Popular FDA Approved Topical Male Pattern Baldness Treatment Free From Side Effects

Regardless is age, race, gender, or location the prospect of going bald is one most people find unsettling at best and terrifying at worst. This prospect fuels the hair loss and/or hair re-growth industry worldwide, and in recent year’s names like Rogaine and Loniten has become synonymous with slowing male and female pattern balding. Minoxidil is the main ingredient in these branded hair loss names. But while this topical formula is generally considered safe some potential minoxidil side effects may surprise you.

First it is important to realize that despite its over the counter availability and affordability minoxidil is still considered a drug. It’s original use (oral pill form) was to treat of blood pressure, and is still considered by many doctors an effective treatment option.

Hair loss treatments containing this drug are very diluted topical forms containing somewhere between 2 percent and 5 percent liquid minoxidil, in an average month’s supply of Rogaine. The other 95 to 98 percent is made up of alcohol, propylene glycol, and purified water. When investigating general text reference listing minoxidil side effects you may simply find itchiness, burning, tingling, and flaking on the scalp. It seems somewhat unimaginable that any additional side effects would be possible with such a small amount of the active ingredient in each bottle, but the label tends to tell a different story.

Let’s take a look at some of the side effects that one might find on the label of Rogaine. I will list some of the more prominent ones.

*If you do not see hair regrowth in 4 months, stop use.

*May be harmful if used during pregnancy or breast feeding

*Do not use if you are not sure of the reason for your hair loss,
under 18 years of age or using other medicines on the scalp.

*Do not use if you have no family history of hair loss,
sudden and/or patchy hair loss or a red, inflamed, infected, irritated or painful scalp.

*Stop use and see a doctor if you get chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, faintness, or dizziness, unexplained weight gain, swollen hands or feet, or scalp irritation that continues or worsens.

*Avoid contact with eyes. In case of accidental contact, rinse with large amounts of cool tap water.

Certainly quite a list of potential minoxidil side effects.

In summary, while topical minoxidil is generally considered very safe for both men and women you should still take the time to consult your doctor for his/her approval. It will only take a second to call his office, and chances are one of the nurses can check for any drug interactions or other problems which could arise.

What Next? There are currently a handful of hair re-growth products (specially formulated for both men and women) which have been proven effective both in blocking harmful hormones and bringing the all important dead hair follicles back to life. These specially formulated treatments can be used both as a preventative tool, starting before hair loss becomes severe, or after loss of hair has become noticeable. Whatever the level of balding or thinning you are experiencing these products could be just what is needed to overcome this latest life challenge.


By Rob D. Hawkins