Minoxidil

Overview

Chemically Minoxidil is identified as 2, 4-diamino-6-piperidinopyrimidine 3-oxide. Oral it is an antihypertensive agent while topical Minoxidil is used for alopecia. Due to its potency and adverse reactions, oral Minoxidil is used mainly for patients with severe, drug-resistant forms of hypertension. Tolerance to prolonged therapy with oral it does not appear to be a problem. Although the oral dosage form was originally approved in October 1979 for use in hypertension, it was first discovered in 1965. Subsequently, in August 1988, a topical formulation was approved for the treatment of alopecia. It has a direct vasodilatory effect on arterial smooth muscle, causing a reduction in peripheral resistance and blood pressure.

Categories

• 13 Dermatological drugs (topical)
  • 13.12 Other dermatologicals

Page headings

Primary Characterstics

Indications

Pharmacokinetics

Contraindications

Drug Interactions

Side Effects

Dosage

Minoxidil's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
5 to 100 mg	52 (52.5)	24 hourly	PO	Alopecia , 1ml twice daily.
2 to 5 %	3.5 (3.5)	24 hourly	Topical	Hypertension
Paedriatic Dosage (20kg)
100 to 200 ug/kg	150 (150)	24 hourly	Oral	Gradually increase the Dose
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
0.1 to 2 mg/kg	1 (1.05)	24 hourly	Oral	Gradually increase the Dose

High Risk Groups

Warning / Precautions

Storage Conditions

Interference in Pathology

Brands / Trade Names of Minoxidil

Manufacturers of Minoxidil in Pakistan

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