Minoxidil, Viagara & Hair Loss. Is There a Connection?

Is There a Connection Between Viagra, Minoxidil & Hair Loss?

Viagra has become a popular prescription medication that has been well-accepted for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in many adult males. Viagra, a vasodilator, works to treat “ED” by relaxing your blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the penis.

How Minoxidil Stops Male Hair Loss

For men worried about losing their hair may find help with Minoxidil hair loss treatment. An over-the-counter medication that helps to reduce male pattern baldness.  Similarly, Minoxidil is also a vasodilator and when applied to the scalp it can assist in accelerating localized hair growth. Minoxidil on its own could have undesired side effects like decreased blood pressure, dizziness, and headaches due to low blood pressure, and palpitations.

Research studies of Minoxidil have shown that the drug can have up to 60% effective in preventing hair loss and encouraging hair regrowth. Topical minoxidil is applied to the scalp in either a solution or foam which is in turn absorbed by the scalp. Sulfotransferase, an enzyme present on the scalp, converts the minoxidil into a salt called minoxidil sulfate.

How Does Minoxidil Work?

Minoxidil works by shortening the telogen or resting phase of the hair growth cycle and causes the hair to enter the growing stage (anagen). There is some evidence that minoxidil can increase the thickness of the hair. It is worth noting that Minoxidil does not cross the blood-brain barrier, and a person’s kidneys filter 95% of this drug within four days.

All blood vessels have endothelial cells that line the vessel walls. In the brain, these cells are closer together which restricts what is able to seep out of these blood vessels and into the brain. Minoxidil is a medication that is too large to get through the endothelial cells, so it doesn’t get into your brain. Your kidney will filter out 94% of this drug in about 4 days. People may not notice any difference in their hair until they use minoxidil for at least 8 weeks. As it takes time for the hair follicles to become stimulated enough to begin growing earlier than they normally would.

How Viagra and Minoxidil Can Interact

While many things go together well like peanut butter and jelly, Viagra and Minoxidil may not be medications you would want to use simultaneously. Each individual’s situation is different, so it is advisable to consult your primary care physician or specialized health care provider to see if it is safe for you to use both of these drugs at the same time. The combined use of Viagra and Minoxidil can create possible unsafe reactions for the user. If you suffer from hair loss, we know that is a concern that you want to control. Keep in mind, however, that Minoxidil does work in all cases for many men who are in the early stages of hair loss.

Both Viagra and Minoxidil are effective in their intent to solve the conditions for which they were created and marketed. It is when the active ingredients in both of these drugs are present in the patient’s system at the same time that there is the possibility present of severe reactions. Minoxidil is a vasodilator, which means that it lowers blood pressure. When minoxidil is used along with other vasodilators, such as blood pressure medication or erectile dysfunction drugs, a dangerous condition can be created.

Viable Hair Loss Solutions for Men & Women

Men and women both suffer from hair loss and thinning hair. In many cases, hair loss is hereditary.  In other cases, it can be caused by trauma or the side effects of medical treatments. If your life has been disrupted by male-pattern baldness, female hair thinning, or any other cause, it is important to know that there is hope, and there are proven, viable hair restoration solutions for men and women of all ages and hair types. Whether you are looking for hair replacement options in Fort Lauderdale, Florida or are considering non-surgical hair replacement in Connecticut or elsewhere, we encourage you to learn all you can about the many proven hair loss treatment and hair restoration options available.  A reputable source of hair restoration information near you can be found in our Transition’s member directory.  We encourage you to contact a Transitions member hair loss center near you today to learn what solution will work best for you.

Further reading:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/minoxidil#what-is-it
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6691938/