Minoxidil+ Spray

About this medicine

Minoxidil+ Hair Regrowth Spray is a compounded prescription preparation used to help prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. This compound consists of:

• Minoxidil (5%), a medication which stimulates the microcirculation around the hair follicles to induce arteriolar vasodilation, thereby encouraging conditions conducive to hair growth.[1] It also causes a prolongation of the anagen hair phase and helps increase hair follicle size.[2]
• Melatonin (0.1%), a hormone which the body produces but can also come from other sources. It has many properties which can help reduce hair loss. First, it is a potent antioxidant that helps protect the hair follicles from oxidative stress. Second, it has anti-inflammatory properties which can help keep the scalp healthy and more conducive for hair follicles to grow. Next, melatonin has been shown to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is implicated in androgenetic alopecia. Lastly, it helps widen blood vessels, improving blood flow to the hair follicles.[3]
• Tretinoin (0.01%), a derivative of vitamin A which has properties conducive to the promotion of hair growth. It has been shown to promote cell proliferation and differentiation in the skin, which means it helps maintain the health and function of the hair follicles. Tretinoin has also been shown to improve blood flow, therefore delivering oxygen and nutrients to the skin where applied to promote healthier hair growth.[4]
• Caffeine (0.2%), a drug that has been shown to promote cell proliferation and cell metabolism enhancing the function and vitality of hair follicle health. It has also been shown to inhibit DHT, which as mentioned above is implicated in hair loss. Caffeine has also been found to enhance hair shaft elongation and stimulate hair matrix proliferation.[5]

Minoxidil+ Hair Regrowth Spray is an Rx only compound drug. Minoxidil+ Hair Regrowth Spray is not FDA approved but can be used to treat male pattern baldness, and may cause side effects including chest pain or palpitations, dizziness, skin rash, blisters or itching, sudden weight gain and swelling of hands and feet. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

---

How to Use

This preparation should be applied to the scalp. Your provider will let you know the frequency and amount to apply. Wash your hands thoroughly immediately after each application.

It is important to closely follow the specific directions of your provider which are on your prescription label. However, consult your pharmacist or provider with any questions about dosing.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

---

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

---

What should I tell my healthcare provider before I use this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Sudden or patchy hair loss
• Unknown reason for hair loss
• Your scalp is red, inflamed, infected, or painful
• An unusual or allergic reaction to minoxidil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

What may interact with this medicine?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other medicines on the scalp without asking your provider or healthcare professional.

Give your healthcare provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

This compounded medication is typically well tolerated. Side effects usually occur at the start of therapy and decrease over time.

Common Side Effects: [6]

• Minoxidil can initially cause a temporary increase in hair loss as it is working but this resolves in several weeks in most cases.
• Redness, peeling, dryness, or irritation of the skin where applied.
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight where applied. Sunscreen or other UV protection is recommended while on this medication.
• Tretinoin may cause changes in skin pigmentation at the sites of application.

Rare Side Effects:

• Some individuals may experience changes in hair color or texture.

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

---

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

This medicine must be used on a regular basis for your hair to regrow. It may take 2 to 4 months of regular use before you notice any improvement. It is important to continue to use this product to maintain regrowth of hair. Once you stop using it, the regrown hair will usually fall out within 3 months.

---

Contact with eyes, nose, mouth

Do not get this medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, or on other sensitive areas. If you do, rinse off with plenty of cool tap water. Always wash your hands after use. Do not apply if your scalp is cut, scraped, or sunburned.

---

Hair color and texture

Some people may notice changes in hair color or texture after using this medicine.

---

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F).

Some products may be flammable. Keep away from heat, fire, or flame.

Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

---

Who should not use this product?

Anyone who is:

• Hypersensitive to any of the active or inactive ingredients in this medication
• Pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding should not use Minoxidil+ Hair Regrowth Spray. These conditions need to be addressed with your healthcare provider prior to starting this therapy.

---

How do I dispose of this product?

It is important to properly dispose of any unused doses to avoid any risk of exposure to children or pets.

• Drug Take Back Programs: Some pharmacies offer on-site medicine drop-off boxes, mail-back programs, and other ways to help you safely dispose of your unused medicines.
• Household Trash Disposal: If a take back program is not available, the medication can be thrown into your household trash. Follow these steps:
  • Remove the drugs from their original containers and mix them with something undesirable, such as used coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter. This makes the medicine less appealing to children and pets.
  • Put the mixture in something you can close (a resealable zipper storage bag, empty can, or other container) to prevent the drug from leaking or spilling out.
  • Throw the container in the garbage.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This information is not intended as specific medical advice. Compounded medications do not go through the FDA drug approval process prior to being dispensed.

References:

1. Patel P, Nessel TA, Kumar D D. Minoxidil. [Updated 2024 Feb 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482378/
2. Hasanzadeh H, Nasrollahi S, Halavati N, Saberi M, Firooz A. Efficacy and safety of 5% minoxidil topical foam in male pattern hair loss treatment and patient satisfaction. Acta Dermatovenerologica Alpina Pannonica et Adriatica. 2016;25(3).
3. Fischer TW, Trüeb RM, Hänggi G, Innocenti M, Elsner P. Topical melatonin for treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Int J Trichology. 2012 Oct;4(4):236-45. doi: 10.4103/0974-7753.111199. PMID: 23766606; PMCID: PMC3681103.
4. Gail S. Bazzano, Nia Terezakis, Wesley Galen, Topical tretinoin for hair growth promotion, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 15, Issue 4, Part 2, 1986, Pages 880-893, ISSN 0190-9622, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0190-9622(86)80024-X.
5. Dhurat R, Chitallia J, May TW, Jayaraaman AM, Madhukara J, Anandan S, Vaidya P, Klenk A. An Open-Label Randomized Multicenter Study Assessing the Noninferiority of a Caffeine-Based Topical Liquid 0.2% versus Minoxidil 5% Solution in Male Androgenetic Alopecia. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2017;30(6):298-305. doi: 10.1159/000481141. Epub 2017 Oct 21. PMID: 29055953; PMCID: PMC5804833.
6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/minoxidil-topical-route/side-effects/drg-20068750?p=1