The Side Effects of Minoxidil | The Hair Loss Show

Summary

In this episode of 'The Hair Loss Show,' Drs. Russell Nudson and Vicam J. Aash explore the side effects of minoxidil, comparing topical and oral forms. They discuss the history of minoxidil's use for hair loss, its effectiveness, and common side effects such as contact dermatitis, facial hair growth, and systemic issues like palpitations and migraines. The doctors emphasize the importance of proper application and dosage, highlighting the benefits of minoxidil as a long-standing treatment for hair loss, despite misconceptions about its efficacy and duration of effect.

Takeaways

• 👨‍⚕️ Minoxidil is used to treat hair loss in both men and women, available in topical and oral forms.
• 📜 Originally used to treat high blood pressure, minoxidil's side effect of stimulating hair growth led to its use for hair loss.
• 🇦🇺 In Australia, topical minoxidil is available over the counter, while oral minoxidil requires a prescription.
• 💧 Topical minoxidil can cause contact dermatitis due to propylene glycol in its formulation, but foam versions reduce this risk.
• 💊 Oral minoxidil, used in low doses, can cause side effects like palpitations, migraines, and weight gain.
• 🩺 Shedding is a common initial side effect of minoxidil, indicating the treatment is stimulating hair follicles effectively.
• ⚖️ Dosage of oral minoxidil needs to be carefully managed to avoid side effects, particularly in women who might experience facial hair growth.
• 💡 Minoxidil needs to be applied to the scalp, not the hair, for best results; foam absorbs faster than liquid.
• 🧴 Transitioning from liquid to foam minoxidil should involve a recovery period for the scalp if irritation occurs.
• 📈 Compliance with the treatment is crucial for effectiveness; oral minoxidil can be easier to maintain than topical forms.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the 'Hair Loss Show' episode featuring Dr. Russell Nudson and Dr. Vicam J Aash?

The main topic of the episode is the discussion of side effects of minoxidil, specifically comparing topical minoxidil with oral minoxidil.

In what forms is minoxidil commonly available in Australia according to the transcript?

Minoxidil is commonly available in Australia as a topical liquid or foam, and it can be obtained over the counter without a prescription. There is also an oral tablet form which requires a prescription.

What was the original purpose of minoxidil before it was used for hair loss treatment?

Minoxidil was originally used to treat high blood pressure, and its side effect of general hair stimulation led to its use as a hair stimulant.

What is contact irritant dermatitis and how is it related to the use of minoxidil liquid?

Contact irritant dermatitis is a skin reaction that can occur in a small percentage of patients using minoxidil liquid, potentially due to the propylene glycol in the formulation, causing an itchy scalp and other discomforts.

Why was a foam version of minoxidil developed?

The foam version was developed to address complaints about oiliness and greasiness associated with the liquid form, especially for women, and to potentially reduce the occurrence of contact irritant dermatitis.

What is the difference in absorption time between the minoxidil liquid and foam?

The minoxidil liquid absorbs in about 60 to 90 minutes, while the foam absorbs in just 10 minutes.

What are some side effects associated with the oral form of minoxidil?

Some side effects of the oral form of minoxidil include hair growth on the face in women, palpitations, migraine aggravation, and weight gain due to water retention.

Why is it important to apply minoxidil on the skin and not on the hair?

Applying minoxidil on the skin ensures better absorption and effectiveness. It also helps avoid the side effect of greasiness or oiliness of the hair.

What is the significance of the 'monox shed' mentioned in the transcript?

The 'monox shed' refers to the initial shedding of hair experienced by some users of minoxidil. It is considered a positive sign as it indicates that the user is responding to the treatment and new hair growth is being stimulated.

How does the doctor in the transcript suggest dealing with side effects from topical minoxidil?

The doctor suggests starting with a lower dose of oral minoxidil if side effects from topical minoxidil occur, and then gradually increasing the dose while monitoring for any issues.

What misconception about minoxidil does the doctor address in the episode?

The doctor addresses the misconception that minoxidil stops working after 12 or 18 months. He explains that it's not that the body becomes used to it, but rather that minoxidil may not be fully effective at stopping hair loss progression on its own.

Why is patient compliance important when using minoxidil, according to the transcript?

Patient compliance is important because if patients do not enjoy using the topical product or find it difficult to remember or fit into their schedule, they are less likely to use it consistently, which can affect the treatment's effectiveness.