The Latin name of the drug is Regaine. Minoxidil
What is Regaine?
Regaine is a medical treatment for alopecia (baldness) in both men and women.
Description of the dosage form
Regaine comes in the form of a topical solution. It can be 2% and 5%. This solution is transparent and has a light yellow color or completely colorless. It is packaged in 60 ml bottles. The package also contains three nozzles: a spray nozzle, a rubbing nozzle, and an extended spray nozzle. The composition of the drug, except minoxidil 5 based on ethanol, propylene glycol and purified water.
pharmachologic effect
Regaine is a drug that has a stimulating effect on hair growth in persons who suffer from androgenic alopecia. After 4 months of regular use of the drug, signs of hair growth are noted. It should be noted that the onset and severity of this effect may vary from patient to patient. Faster results are obtained with a 5% regain solution, compared to a 2% solution. This has been noted for the increased rate of vellus hair growth. But after the cessation of the use of the drug, there is a suspension of the growth of new hair, and over the next 3-4 months the likelihood of restoring the original appearance increases. The mechanism of action of Regaine in the treatment of androgenic alopecia is not fully understood.
Pharmacokinetics
Minoxidil is poorly absorbed through normal and intact skin when applied externally. This indicator averages 1.5%, and its maximum value can reach 4.5%. Those. only 1.5% of the applied dose can enter the systemic circulation. The effect of concomitant skin diseases on the absorption of the drug remains unknown.
Until now, the profile of the metabolic biotransformation of minoxidil in regain after external application has not been fully studied.
Minoxidil does not penetrate the BBB and does not bind to proteins in the blood plasma.
About 95% of minoxidil that does enter the systemic circulation is excreted within the next 4 days after discontinuation of the drug.
Regaine is predominantly excreted in the urine. This happens by glomerular filtration.
With the help of hemodialysis, minoxidil and its metabolites are excreted from the body.
Indications of the drug
The indication for the use of regain is androgenic alopecia, both in men and women. It is prescribed to stabilize hair loss, as well as restore the scalp.
Contraindications
Regaine should not be used by children and adolescents under 18 years of age, as well as patients over 65 years of age. Violations of the integrity and dermatoses of the scalp, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug are also contraindications.
Application during pregnancy and lactation
Despite the fact that the effect of regain on the patient during pregnancy and lactation is unknown, it should not be used. With regular use, minoxidil is absorbed and excreted in breast milk.
Side effects of the drug
Clinical studies have shown that dermatitis, which occurs on the scalp, can be a side effect. Less often, inflammation, peeling, redness are manifested.
Allergic contact dermatitis and itching of the scalp, alopecia and folliculitis are very rare.
It should be noted that side effects are more often manifested when using regain in the form of a 5% solution.
Also, when using the drug, allergic rhinitis and shortness of breath, dizziness and headache, neuritis, fluctuations in blood pressure and heart palpitations, chest pain, changes in the rhythm of heart contractions may occur. But a clear connection between the use of the drug and the occurrence of side effects is noted, first of all, with a dermatological reaction.
Overdose
An overdose can occur if you accidentally take Regaine inside. This causes a systemic side effect, which is due to the vasodilating properties of the main component of the drug, minoxidil.
Symptoms of this phenomenon include tachycardia, decreased blood pressure and fluid retention.
In case of an overdose, it is necessary to seek medical help to prescribe medications that can provide resistance.
Method of administration and dosage
Regaine is intended solely for external use on the scalp. It is not recommended to apply it to other parts of the body.
The total daily dose of the drug should not exceed 2 ml, regardless of the area of the affected area. It is recommended to divide this amount into 2 doses of 1 ml. Regain should be applied from the center of the lesion to the edges.
It is recommended to use a 5% solution only if a patient who uses a 2% solution does not have a satisfactory cosmetic effect on hair growth, and a faster result is desirable.
Women are advised to use this medication for hair loss in the middle part. Men, on the other hand, use regaine when hair loss occurs on the crown. In these areas, the drug is most effective.
Buy regain, and then it must be applied to dry skin. The method of application depends on the applicator used. If the drug is applied with fingertips, then they should be thoroughly washed after treating the head.
If regaine is applied with a spray bottle, first remove the large outer cap from the bottle, as well as the inner screw cap. Then you need to install the necessary nozzle (spray) on the bottle and screw it tightly. With the head of the nozzle in the center of the area to be treated, spray the agent and distribute it evenly with your fingertips. It is enough to repeat these steps 6 times (1 ml).
If the affected area is small or under the remaining hair, it is best to use an extended spray nozzle. The first steps in using this attachment are the same as in the previous case. Then remove the small spray head from the spray gun and reinforce the extended distribution nozzle. The applied preparation must also be spread over the entire surface with your fingertips and this procedure must be repeated 6 times.
For application to small areas of baldness, use the rubbing nozzle. Install it on the bottle, screwing it tightly, and squeeze the bottle to fill the upper chamber to a black line (1 ml). Then, with massaging movements, the drug is applied to the affected area of the head.
special instructions
Before using Regaine, you must undergo a comprehensive medical examination to make sure the scalp is healthy.
The use of the drug should be discontinued in case of severe skin reactions and side effects.
Terms and conditions of storage
The shelf life of the regain depends on the concentration of the solution: a 5% solution is stored for 5 years, 2% for 3 years. Store the drug in a dry place out of reach of children, where the temperature does not exceed 25 ° C.
