Medicine Overview of Trugain 5% 5% Scalp Lotion

Introduction

Trugain 5% belongs to a class of drugs known as vasodilators. It is used to promote hair growth after hereditary hair loss (male pattern baldness). It is not used for sudden, patchy or unexplained hair loss. Trugain 5% should only be applied directly to the scalp area in the amount, and in the way, specified on the label or by your doctor. Clean and dry your scalp before using it. It may take several months before you notice any hair growth and the first growth may be soft, colourless and barely visible. Using more than recommended will not speed up hair growth and may cause dangerous side effects. This medication must be used continuously to maintain hair growth. If your condition does not improve or worsens after using it for 4 to 6 months, tell your doctor. Trugain 5% is generally safe and suitable for most people but may have some potential side effects. The most common are itching or irritation of the scalp and unwanted hair growth in other places (not your scalp). It may also make you feel unwell and change the color and texture of your hair. If this happens, inform your doctor. If this medicine gets into the bloodstream it can cause side effects related to low blood pressure such as chest pain, rapid heartbeat and dizziness, swollen hands and feet. This should not happen if you use it correctly and avoid contact with broken skin. If you get it in your eyes, mouth or broken skin, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water. Talk to your doctor if you are bothered by side effects or they do not go away. Trugain 5% should not normally be used by people under the age of 18 or over 65. It may not be appropriate if your hair loss is due to medications (such as chemotherapy) or any nutritional deficiency. You should also not use this medicine if you have high blood pressure or are using other creams or lotions to treat other scalp conditions. Talk to your doctor if you have heart disease or blood circulation problems.

Uses of Trugain 5%

1. Hair loss
2. Hypertension (high blood pressure)

How to use Trugain 5%

Use this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use.

How Trugain 5% works

Trugain 5% is a potassium channel opener. Its vasodilation action expands the blood vessels. Therefore, when it is applied to the scalp, it helps to increase the blood flow. This increased blood flow provides more nutrition and oxygen to the hair follicles, which prevents hair cell death and also enhances new hair growth. This is how it works to treat your alopecia (hair loss).

What if you forget to take Trugain 5%?

If you miss a dose of Trugain 5%, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Quick Tips

Wash your hands before and after application.

It should only be applied directly on the scalp. If MX 5 Topical Solution accidentally comes in contact with your eyes, nose or mouth, flush the area thoroughly with cool tap water.

Do not shampoo your hair or use a hairdryer for 4 hours after applying MX 5 Topical Solution as it can reduce the effectiveness of the medicine.

During the first 2 weeks of application, your hair fall may increase. This is normal and is a sign that MX 5 Topical Solution is working.

Take care that MX 5 Topical Solution does not trickle down onto your face as it may cause undesirable facial hair growth.

Brief Description

Indication

Male pattern baldness, Alopecia androgenetica

Administration

Hair and scalp should be thoroughly dry prior to topical application of Minoxidil. A dose of 1 ml Minoxidil cutaneous solution should be applied to the total affected areas of the scalp twice daily. The total dosage should not exceed 2 ml. If fingertips are used to facilitate drug application, hands should be washed afterwards.

Adult Dose

Androgenetic Alopecia Male: Apply 1 mL of 2% or 5% solution to affected areas of scalp BID; no more than 2 ml in 24 hours Female: Apply 1 mL of 2% solution to affected areas of scalp BID It should be used twice daily for four months or more before evidence of hair growth can be expected.

Child Dose

<18 years old: Safety & efficacy not established

Contraindication

Minoxidil topical solution is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Minoxidil or any of the other ingredients in the formulation such as propylene glycol or ethanol.

Mode of Action

Minoxidil is an antihypertensive with direct vasodilating property. It reduces elevated BP accompanied by reflex tachycardia, increased cardiac output and elevated plasma renin. Applied topically, minoxidil stimulates hair growth secondary to vasodilation, increases cutaneous blood flow and stimulates resting hair follicles.

Precaution

Before using Minoxidil, the user should determine that the scalp is normal and healthy. Patients with known cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrhythmia should contact a physician before using Minoxidil. Minoxidil contains alcohol, which will cause burning and irritation of the eye. In the event of accidental contact with sensitive surfaces (eye, abraded skin and mucous membranes) the area should be bathed with large amount of cool tap water. Lactation: following topical application of the drug is not known, but the drug has been shown to distribute into milk following oral administration in lactating women

Side Effect

1-10% Allergic contact dermatitis (7.4%),Tendonitis (2.6%) Frequency Not Defined Irritation,Burning,Erythema at site of application,May see systemic effects (hypotension)

Interaction

Topical: Absorption may be increased with corticosteroids, retinoids, occlusive ointment bases. Potentially Fatal: Severe orthostatic hypotension may occur with guanethidine.