While there are plenty of reasons to shy away from alcohol, many people
won't consider there to be a downside to having a drink or two.
Everything is good in moderation, right?
But mixing a medication like minoxidil
with alcohol could be riskier than you think. While small amounts of
alcohol don't usually have serious side effects, large amounts can have
detrimental effects on your body. Therefore, if you have ordered minoxidil, be aware that taking minoxidil
and alcohol together requires serious consideration of the
consequences.
Taking minoxidil
with alcohol may increase your risk for negative side effects. If you
love drinking, but you're considering a hair loss treatment in Canada,
like minoxidil, we have some crucial information for you. Keep reading
about the safest approach for taking the two together.
Table of contents:
Minoxidil and Alcohol: Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any Minoxidil
and alcohol risk? We've gathered the top three frequently asked
questions when it comes to drinking on minoxidil. Remember to always consult with a licensed physician
before starting a medication, especially if you regularly use drugs or
alcohol.
Minoxidil can be found under the following brand names in Canada:
-
Apo-Gain
-
Gen-Minoxidil
-
Hairgro
-
Hair Regrowth Treatment
-
Med Minoxidil
-
Minox
Read more: Rogaine & Alcohol
1- Can I Drink Alcohol While I'm on Minoxidil?
Technically, you can. There is no known direct drug interaction when
mixing minoxidil
with alcohol. As long as you are of legal drinking age, there is no
scientific reason you need to avoid simultaneous minoxidil
and alcohol use.
However, experts advise limiting your alcohol intake as alcohol can indirectly influence
minoxidil's
effectiveness. Users have reported minoxidil alcohol headaches as well,
likely due to the dehydrative effects.
Read more: Minoxidil Before And After
2- How Much Alcohol Can I Drink While on Minoxidil?
In terms of drinking on minoxidil, we recommend consulting with a physician about how much you can drink
with your specific minoxidil dosage. Your physician will have your health records on hand and should be
able to advise you about how much is safe to drink, considering your
history.
3- What Are the Side Effects of Taking Minoxidil and Alcohol?
Minoxidil side effects
with alcohol depend on the method of application of your minoxidil. Alcohol with minoxidil (topical) has different effects than alcohol
and minoxidil (oral).
If you're applying the medication topically, you may experience skin
irritation if you consume alcohol or use another skin care product
containing alcohol. This is because alcohol has a dehydrating effect on our body and, therefore, our skin;
dehydrated skin is more likely to become irritated.
Other than that, topical minoxidil
is not known to react with alcohol use. Consult with a physician before
prolonged periods of mixing alcohol with minoxidil.
Taken orally, minoxidil
may react with alcohol and decrease your blood pressure.
However, this side effect is rare. If you experience lowered blood
pressure on this medication, see a physician.
Read more: The Cost of Minoxidil In Canada
Clinical Minoxidil
You will need to consult with a licensed physician through licensed
online platforms like UPGUYS
and have them write you a prescription to use these medications. Once
you do so, you can have minoxidil delivered to you. These products are clinically proven.
Finasteride + Minoxidil
We are licensed to dispense both finasteride
and minoxidil. minoxidil topical is available as a liquid solution or a foam. Finasteride should be taken
orally as a tablet.
Finasteride will have a systemic effect, while minoxidil
will have a localized effect.
Medications will be compounded at a licensed facility in Burnaby,
BC.
Finasteride (Generic Propecia)
Oral finasteride is one of several 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. This
medication works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into DHT.
DHT is a hormone that is thought to be responsible
for problems like male pattern baldness.
Finasteride comes in tablet form. Instead of working locally to promote
hair growth on your scalp, it has a more systemic effect throughout your
body.
If you're taking finasteride, you may be wondering whether it has any
significant interaction with alcohol. You can learn more about the interactions here.
Remember, before taking any medications to treat hair loss, consult with
your doctor first.
Minoxidil AM/PM (Generic Rogaine)
Finally, our pharmacy dispenses minoxidil AM/PM, a generic version of Rogaine.
Minoxidil is thought to work by promoting vasodilation. This increases blood flow to various areas of the body, including the
hair and scalp. Topical application can improve blood flow to a local
area.
You can purchase 30mL of the AM formulation and 30mL of the PM
formulation at a time.
If purchased through us, the products will be compounded and dispensed
at our facility in Burnaby.
Mixing Minoxidil and Alcohol Safely
If you're wondering how you can safely
use minoxidil
and
alcohol, you can read our blog
for more information.
The primary consideration when taking the drug safely is knowing about
its different formulations and side effects.
It is advised for users of oral minoxidil
(marketed under the brand name
Loniten in Canada) to be more cautious when mixing it with other drugs. Oral minoxidil
has a far more extensive list of side effects compared to the topical
version we dispense.
In general, if you're concerned about how safe it is to combine alcohol
with minoxidil, consult with your doctor as soon as possible. They may recommend you
alternate days of taking the medication and consuming alcohol, or they
may tell you you're in the clear for drinking while using the
medication.
Key Takeaways
Minoxidil and alcohol are safe to be taken together. There is no known
minoxidil
and alcohol interaction. Drinking on minoxidil should be OK as long as
your doctor approves and you drink a moderate amount!
If you're using oral minoxidil, be aware that simultaneous alcohol use can adversely lower your blood
pressure.
