What to Know About Using Minoxidil For a Long Time

Some medications are designed for chronic health conditions, where administering the treatment is required for a long time, perhaps even a lifetime.

There are other drugs, however, that are only meant for short-term use. But which category does Minoxidil fit into?

Let’s clear up whether you can take Minoxidil for a long time and what the effects of doing so would be.

Is Minoxidil safe for long-term use?

There is no evidence to suggest that taking Minoxidil for a long time will cause any problems to your health.

Minoxidil works by increasing the levels of oxygen and the blood flow to the hair follicles, making thicker and healthier strands more likely thanks to this improved microenvironment.

It typically takes 3-6 months of regular usage to notice visible results, with optimal results usually appearing after 12 months of every day use. However, this doesn’t mean you can stop using the treatment after 12 months. The reason for this is that the hair loss that you’ve been fighting against could reappear if the treatment stops.

Short-term use isn’t recommended or beneficial because it’s unlikely that you’ll harness the benefits of the treatment as you’ve not used it long enough. The medication needs enough time to work its way into your system and properly help your hair follicles.

It is worth noticing you may notice an increase in hair shedding in the first few weeks of treatment. Don’t be alarmed though – this is a good sign and shouldn’t discourage you from continuing your treatment. Minoxidil is thought to shorten the resting phase of the hair cycle, meaning when you start using Minoxidil for the first time, old hairs will be shed to make way for new, healthy ones to take their place.

Take the medication as advised

Minoxidil is a popular treatment that has gone through rigorous testing to ensure its effectiveness and safety.

You must bear in mind that the dosage amount needs to be adhered to throughout. Stick to the recommended dosage and you’re likely to receive the benefits of this treatment.

Long-term use of the medication won’t affect the likelihood that you’ll encounter any side effects either. If you do begin to experience mild side effects, you can rest assured that these will likely disappear once you stop taking the treatment. Speak to your doctor if you’re concerned.

All of our blog articles are reviewed for medical accuracy by our Medical Director before publication.

Posted in: All, Hair loss, Minoxidil Journal