Indications
Minoxidil is suitable for the treatment of male and female androgenetic alopecia, stabilizes androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata.

Dosage & Administration
Minoxidil topical solution is for external use only and should be applied when the hair and scalp are clean and dry. Apply 1 ml (7 sprays) of Minoxidil topical solution twice daily at 12-hour intervals to the scalp, beginning at the centre of the affected area and spreading the solution out to cover the entire affected area. The total daily application dose should not exceed 2 ml.

For the best results, Minoxidil topical solution should be allowed to remain on the scalp for about 4 hours before washing. The night-time application should be done 2-4 hours before going to bed to allow the solution to dry out. Minoxidil topical solution should not be massaged into the scalp, but applied lightly. A hair dryer should not be used to speed up the drying of the solution as it may decrease the effectiveness. Minoxidil topical solution should not be mixed with any hair oil. The drug should not be used more than two times a day, or be taken orally or applied to any other part of the body to avoid the risk of adverse effects and unwanted hair growth. More frequent use or longer application time have no effect on hair growth. In case of missing any daily applications of Minoxidil topical solution, the patient should continue with the next application.

Hands should be washed immediately if Minoxidil topical solution is applied with the fingertips. Clinical experience with Minoxidil indicates that twice-daily applications for 4 months or more may be required before there is evidence of hair growth. To arrest hair fall, Minoxidil topical solution should be used for not less than 45 days. Depending upon the severity of hair loss or type and extent of baldness, particular strength of Minoxidil topical solution may be selected. 

Interaction
Due to the increased absorption of minoxidil, minoxidil topical solution should not be used with other topical medications known to disrupt the stratum corneum barrier (such as tretinoin or anthralin). Although there is no clinical evidence, it is theoretically possible that the absorption of minoxidil may potentiate orthostatic hypotension caused by peripheral vasodilators.

Contraindications
Patients with cardiac abnormalities 
Children under 18 years 
Patients using occlusive dressings or other medications on the scalp 
Patients with redness, inflammation, infection, or irritation or pain of the scalp (including psoriasis and sunburn)

Side Effects
The common side effect of minoxidil topical solution in clinical trials is a mild skin reaction. Dermatitis or hirsutism can occur. These incidences can occur in 0.1-5% of patients.

Pregnancy & Lactation
Minoxidil topical solution should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Precautions & Warnings
Minoxidil topical solution is more likely to cause scalp irritation. If scalp irritation persists or worsens, stop using minoxidil topical solution.

Storage Conditions
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light. Keep out of the reach of children.