From the Research
Taking minoxidil twice is not safe and should be avoided, as it can lead to overdose and serious side effects, including rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fluid retention, and in severe cases, heart failure. Minoxidil is a medication used for hair growth (topical form) or blood pressure control (oral form), and taking it twice could lead to overdose and serious side effects. For topical minoxidil, the standard regimen is applying it once or twice daily as directed on the package, typically 1 ml per application for the liquid or a half-capful for the foam. For oral minoxidil, you should strictly follow your doctor's prescribed dosage.
The safety of oral minoxidil has been studied in several trials, including a multicenter study of 1404 patients, which found that low-dose oral minoxidil has a good safety profile, with systemic adverse effects being infrequent and only 1.7% of patients discontinuing treatment due to adverse effects 1. Another study found that oral minoxidil 5 mg once daily effectively increased hair growth in male patients with androgenetic alopecia and had a good safety profile in healthy subjects 2.
However, it is essential to follow the prescribed dosage schedule and consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about your treatment. Taking additional doses can cause dangerous side effects, and if you accidentally take a double dose, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. The reason for this caution is that minoxidil works by widening blood vessels, and excessive amounts can cause your blood pressure to drop too low or create other cardiovascular complications.
Some key points to consider when taking minoxidil include:
- Always follow the prescribed dosage schedule
- Consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about your treatment
- Be aware of the potential side effects, including rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fluid retention, and in severe cases, heart failure
- If you accidentally take a double dose, contact your healthcare provider immediately
- Minoxidil works by widening blood vessels, and excessive amounts can cause your blood pressure to drop too low or create other cardiovascular complications.
It is also important to note that the efficacy and safety of minoxidil can vary depending on the individual and the specific condition being treated. For example, a network meta-analysis study found that 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and minoxidil have different efficacy and safety profiles for female pattern hair loss 3.
In summary, while minoxidil can be an effective treatment for hair growth and blood pressure control, it is essential to follow the prescribed dosage schedule and be aware of the potential side effects to minimize the risk of adverse effects.