Minoxidil Extra Strength And Stronger
When minoxidil first gained FDA approval as a hair loss treatment it was in a 2% concentration. Eventually it was found that a 5% concentration was more effective and minoxidil extra strength was born.
But, it didn’t stop there. While UpJohn Corporation held the patent on minoxidil with their brand Rogaine, 5% concentration was as high as it went. However as the patent on minoxidil expired on February 13, 1996 other manufacturers have begun producing higher concentrations of minoxidil — up to 15%.
What one has to remember is that minoxidil is a vasodilator originally created to help people with high blood pressure. Therefore, higher concentrations of minoxidil will cause greater dilations of blood vessels.
Common sense establishes the facts that the higher the concentration of a medication, the higher the risk and severity of side effects. As you would expect, this also holds true for minoxidil.
Many people feel that going beyond 5% concentration could have dangerous side effects and reports of people experiencing heart palpitations — even with 5% concentration — are not uncommon. Don’t let this put you off trying minoxidil extra strength though. It is always worth giving medication is a go to see how you respond.
My advice would be to start with 5% minoxidil and use it for as long as it is effective. Once you have experienced using 5% minoxidil, you may feel that there is more to be gained by going for a higher concentration. This is a decision that you will have to make yourself when the time comes, although I very much recommend that you start off with minoxidil extra strength 5% concentration to begin with.