Hi there. I have been reading quite a lot of posts on this site but there was a particular one which really sparked my interest. Especially since it is heavily connected with the Minoxidil,which I am especially curious about,as a 1st-year medical student myself. I heard its usage is deemed to be controversial in some cases
The title of the thread is "Blood donation - Are the medications I use safe?" by capati92, under the Blood Disorders Community and the original poster mentioned something about using 5% Minoxidil topical solution though she is a female (based on my prior medical knowledge, only 2% is recommended for women as with a higher dose,it is highly likely that they will gain unwanted facial hair and what not). And true enough,this 20 year-old girl, not much older than myself at 19-going-on-20, has that problem.
The main question I have regarding Minoxidil is, can it be absorbed systematically in topical solution form so much so that it could trigger such an effect? If so,after how long is Minoxidil excreted from the body? What is its half-life and what is its duration for metabolism?
A.M. PELUSO, C. MISCIALI, C. VINCENZI, A. TOSTI
Article first published online: 28 JUN 2008
DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.1997.d01-1156.x
Issue
British Journal of Dermatology
Volume 136, Issue 1, pages 118–120, January 1997.
As to whether lesser strength could cause diffuse hypertrichosis is questionable.
The rarity of such an occurrence is to be noted too.One cannot rule out, however, the possibility that some individuals with hair follicles
that are very sensitive to minoxidil may be influenced by the very low systemic levels of the drug.
Although minoxidil is poorly absorbed through the skin, systemic doses in the range of 2.4 to 5.4 mg/day can be anticipated if application is made to entire scalp.
[PDF] Percutaneous absorption of minoxidil in man
TJ Franz - Archives of dermatology, 1985 - Am Med Assoc.
My good wishes.