Rogaine for Men

Rogaine is a drug prescribed for treating male pattern baldness.

It is not yet known how Rogaine works. But it is believed that the drug dilates blood vessels in the scalp, which improves hair follicle functions and stimulate the growth of hair.

Rogaine has to be used exactly as your doctor prescribes. You have to apply Rogaine only after drying the hair. You should only apply the prescribed amount of Rogaine on the scalp. The recommended amount is 1 ml of Rogaine and it can be applied in the morning and night. Take care that the drug does not get into the eyes, mouth and nose. If this happens, just rinse with water.

Do not go for more amounts of Rogaine as it will not increase your hair growth. Once the drug is applied, you can see the results in four months. But if you do not see any result in four months, it is better to discontinue the drug.

If you miss to apply Rogaine, you can apply it before the next dose. But if time for the regular dose, do not apply it. There are possibilities of using an overdose and in that case you have to seek immediate medical attention. Though the overdose symptoms are not known, it may include low blood pressure, fast heart rate, flushing and headache.

The drug should not be used if the skin on the scalp is sunburned, irritated and damaged. This will only increase the absorption of the medicine into the body, which is dangerous.

Once your doctor has decided to prescribe Rogaine, it is better to tell him if you have any heat problems as the drug can affect the heart.

Rogaine is rated FDA pregnancy category C, which means that it does not cause to the unborn babe. However, pregnant women and those who hope to conceive soon have to take the drug only after consulting the doctor. The drug is present in breast milk and so breast-feeding mothers have to avoid feeding while taking Rogaine.

While using Rogaine, you may come across certain allergic reactions and also some side effects. If you experience closing of throat, swelling (lips, tongue, face) and rashes, you have to stop the drug and immediately call your doctor. You may also come across headache, chest pain, fast heartbeats, light-headedness, itching, dryness, redness, or flaking of the scalp.

You should also discuss with your doctor about all the drugs, including prescription and non-prescriptive drugs that you are taking as some of the drugs are known to interact with Rogaine. You should never use any topical products on the scalp when you are on Rogaine medication. Apply the drug only to the scalp of the head and not in other parts as it can be dangerous.

The drug should be stored in room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Keep the drug away from children. The drug has to be used only by those for whom it has been prescribed; do not share the drug with others.