Regaine

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Regaine is a medication for external use in the case of hormone-induced hair loss (alopecia). It stops hair loss and encourages new hair growth. The product from McNeil Consumer Healthcare is used as a shampoo or solution by men and women. The drug is available in pharmacies without a prescription. Here you will find all the important information about the drug.

This active ingredient is in Regaine

The drug contains the active ingredient minoxidil. This belongs to the large group of potassium channel openers and activators. The active ingredient is also used to lower blood pressure.

When is Regaine used?

The preparation is used for hereditary hair loss (androgenic alopecia). There are specific products on the market for both men and women. It slows down the progressive baldness in men and the thinning of hair growth in women. In many cases, the drug even leads to increased hair growth. The first signs of androgenic alopecia are the formation of receding hairlines and thinning hair in the parting region. In both cases, treatment with the drug should be preceded by a consultation with a doctor who can diagnose the cause of the hair loss.

What are the side effects of Regaine?

Like any medication, Regaine can cause side effects, but these regress quickly after you stop taking the medication. This can lead to dryness of the skin on the treated areas of the scalp after use. In patients with light hair color, lightening of the hair was found after swimming pool visits. Since the drug contains alcohol, direct contact can cause a burning sensation in the eyes and scalp, especially if there are minor injuries, for example after a shave, on the treated skin. These areas should be rinsed with plenty of water.

Other Regaine side effects include headache, itching and reddening of the skin. Studies have also reported dizziness, eye irritation, low or high blood pressure, and nausea and vomiting. Rarely, prolonged use can lead to increased body and facial hair. In some patients, hair loss initially increases. With longer-term, regular treatment, the growth phase of the newly growing hair is lengthened, which ultimately leads to increased hair growth.

Regaine overdose

Overdosing can lead to increased side effects. A doctor must be called immediately, who may initiate treatment based on the symptoms. The recommended method of use and dosage can be found on the instruction leaflet for the relevant product.

You should bear this in mind when using Regaine

The drug must not be used if there is a known hypersensitivity to the active ingredients it contains. In the case of sudden and spontaneous or uneven hair loss, the drug is not suitable for treatment. A consultation with a doctor is therefore recommended in any case before use, in order to be able to rule out other diseases with the symptom of hair loss.

Regaine must not be used in

high blood pressure
simultaneous treatment with other antihypertensive drugs
known coronary artery disease
Children and adolescents, as insufficient studies are available on this

Regaine Shampoo and Regaine Solution are for external use only. The products must not be swallowed. If this should happen, a doctor should be called immediately.

How to get Regaine

Regaine hair loss reducing products are only available in pharmacies and do not require a prescription. This means that the preparations can be purchased in all pharmacies and a prescription from the doctor is not necessary. Nevertheless, a visit to the attending physician is recommended before use in order to be able to rule out other diseases for which Regaine use is ineffective. The pharmacist can also help if you have any questions about the application.

Find out more about Regaine

Regaine was discovered by chance as a drug against hair loss: in the treatment of patients with high blood pressure, an increased growth of head, face and body hair was found. McNeil Consumer Healthcare took advantage of this undesirable side effect and developed Regaine for the treatment of hereditary hair loss.