minoxidil & constipation

Hi,
I am 24, male, Indian. I am in the beginning stages of balding and have tried Minoxidil 2% and 5% several times, for 4-5 days each time. My problem is that every time I apply it (either 2% or 5%) my digestion goes haywire and I start suffering from bloating and severe constipation as long as I apply it (4-5 days each time, because by then it becomes quite uncomfortable). To give additional information, I'd like to tell that I recovered from Hyper-acidity a year back and my digestion has been quite weak since then and to keep my constipation at bay, I drink lots of water, run 10 kms a day, and follow a strict diet regimen. Sir, I would like to ask you that:
1. Should I continue to apply minoxidil for long and wait for these symptoms to subside (or do you think they'll subside at all?), or if not, then what do you think would be the next best strategy to halt the balding process?
2. What could be the reason for this problem (Is it because minoxidil dilates the intestinal blood vessels, as I've read on the net)?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is very unlikely for Minoxidil to cause constipation and its reported GI side effects are nausea and vomiting. The side effects are mostly related to skin which may include redness, itching, erythema etc. If you are having constipation after taking minoxidil, I suggest you to consult your health care provider and get it changed to Finasteride. You can resort to hair transplantation also.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.