As the skin's characteristics and responses can alter with age, older adults over 65 may experience different results or an increased risk of side effects. Despite its topical application, a small amount of Minoxidil can be absorbed by the body, potentially affecting blood pressure and overall cardiovascular function.
It is not licensed for patients over the age of 65, however, it is commonly used in patients over that age. It may not be appropriate if you have certain heart conditions such as ischaemic heart disease. You will be advised if it is not suitable for you.
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatrics-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of topical minoxidil in the elderly. However, studies have shown that the medicine works best in younger patients who have a short history of hair loss.
Minoxidil, regardless of whether it is a foam, cream or liquid, should not contribute to skin ageing however, swelling, dry or sensitive skin on the scalp and areas near the scalp - ears, face, neck - may happen, either as side effects or due to an allergic reaction.
Do not use topical minoxidil: In men: Younger than 18 years of age. Older than 65 years of age (or 49 years of age for minoxidil 5% foam).
Over time, hair fibers become thinner and drop out, and unfortunately, they never regenerate. Natural pigment (color) changes occur in hair as you age as well. Pigment cells stop producing as much, and eventually, your once thick, chestnut hair becomes thin, fine and gray.
A lot of possible users over the age of 65 may have some form of disease or heart problems that may make them unsuitable for minoxidil, and unless they see a hair loss specialist or doctor to discuss their suitability for the medication, mitigating health issues may not be picked up on.
Minoxidil has other effects that could be bothersome for some patients. These include increased hair growth, weight gain, fast heartbeat, and chest pain. Before you take this medicine, be sure that you have discussed the use of it with your doctor.
Minoxidil (Rogaine, etc) is FDA approved for ages 18-65
I respond that minoxidil can certainly be helpful but minoxidil is certainly not for everyone. Minoxidil is FDA approved for men and women 18-65 with a type of hair loss known as androgenetic hair loss.
While minoxidil itself does not directly break down collagen, some research suggests that its long-term use may contribute to increased oxidative stress in the skin.
Moreover, the higher concentration of Minoxidil can lead to unwanted side effects in women, such as the development of facial hair. This occurs due to the systemic absorption of the medication, which may affect areas of the body other than the scalp.
The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition that happens with aging. This condition is called androgenic alopecia, male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness.
Reflex tachycardia from minoxidil can cause myocardial stress, leading to type II myocardial infarction and, in rare instances, acute Type I myocardial ischemia.
Minoxidil should not be used in patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to the drug or its constituents, including propylene glycol. The utilization of minoxidil is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
As there is no experience with the use of ROGAINE® in children or people over 65 years of age, it should not be used by them. Can I use ROGAINE® while I am taking other medicines? Theoretically, some people taking certain drugs to treat high blood pressure could experience a fall in blood pressure on standing.
You have significant side effects. It's expensive to continue using Minoxidil every day. You're concerned that Minoxidil is interacting with other medications you're taking. You've achieved the results you want and no longer want to use Minoxidil.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration issued a black-box warning for pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, and electrocardiogram (EKG) changes for oral minoxidil therapy. The potential for these adverse events explains its indication for only severe, treatment-resistant hypertension.
It may cause weight gain due to water retention in the body.
Low doses of oral minoxidil are also used off-label for hair loss. Some men taking minoxidil have reported sexual side effects such as erectile dysfunction (ED) and decreased libido.
Treating Hair Loss at its Roots
As such, those suffering from established bald spots or serious thinning generally find shampoos ineffective to actually recreate hair. Surgical hair restoration, conversely, addresses loss of healthy follicles straight on.
I can use Regaine 5% foam as a man over the age of 49. IT'S COMPLICATED - Regaine 5% foam has only been clinically tested on men younger than 49 years of age. Regaine Solution (Minoxidil 5%) has been tested up to the age of 65, therefore as the medications are the same strength we prescribe both up to the age of 65.