Regaine Scalp Foam

What is Regaine?

Regaine for Men Extra Strength Scalp Foam is a topical medicine used to treat male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). Its active ingredient is minoxidil.

Mechanism of Action

While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, minoxidil is thought to work by widening blood vessels (a process called vasodilation). This improves blood flow to the hair follicles on your scalp, delivering more oxygen and nutrients. In the context of hair loss, this helps to revitalise shrunken follicles, prolong the growth (anagen) phase of the hair cycle, and encourage the growth of new, thicker hairs.

Biological Pathway

Hereditary hair loss is driven by a sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes follicles to miniaturise over time. Minoxidil does not block DHT but appears to work independently as a follicle stimulant, helping to counteract this miniaturisation process.

What is Regaine Used For?

Regaine for Men Extra Strength Scalp Foam is approved for the treatment of common hereditary hair loss in men aged 18 to 49 years.

Most Effective For

It is most effective for men who:

• Are experiencing hair loss or thinning at the top of the scalp (vertex/crown).
• Are younger in age.
• Have been losing hair for a short period of time.
• Have a smaller area of baldness.

You are unlikely to benefit from this treatment if you have been completely bald for many years, have a very large area of hair loss, or have total body hair loss.

Before Using Regaine

Before starting treatment, it is crucial to ensure your scalp is healthy and that this medicine is suitable for you.

Consultation Required

You should talk to a doctor or pharmacist before use if:

• You are unsure whether your scalp is normal and healthy.
• You suffer from any heart disease, including angina, chest pains, or circulation disorders.
• You have a history of high blood pressure (even if untreated).

Medical History Checklist

Discuss with a healthcare professional if you have or have had any of the above conditions.

Regaine Contraindications

Do NOT use Regaine if any of the following apply to you:

Absolute Contraindications

• You are female.
• You are under 18 or over 49 years of age.
• You are allergic to minoxidil or any other ingredient.
• You have high blood pressure.
• Your hair loss is sudden, unexplained, or caused by medical treatment (e.g., chemotherapy).
• You have total baldness or complete loss of all body hair.
• You have a shaved scalp or any scalp condition (e.g., psoriasis, sunburn).
• You are using other topical scalp treatments (e.g., dithranol, tretinoin, corticosteroids, petrolatum).
• You have a dressing or bandage on your scalp.

Special Population Considerations

• Elderly: This product is not intended for use by men over the age of 49.
• Pediatric/Adolescent: This product is not intended for use by anyone under the age of 18.
• Renal/Hepatic Impairment: There is no specific information; use is contraindicated if the scalp is not healthy.

Regaine and Other Medicines

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, especially:

Potential Interactions

• Vasodilators: Certain blood pressure medicines like hydralazine. Minoxidil may interact with these and increase their effect, potentially lowering your blood pressure too much.

Always show the bottle or pack to your pharmacist if you are unsure about potential interactions.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

CONTRAINDICATION: This product is for men only and must NOT be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Accidental exposure could potentially lead to systemic effects.

Driving & Machine Operation

Regaine may cause dizziness or low blood pressure in some individuals. If you experience these side effects, do not drive or operate machinery.

Regaine Ingredients

Active Substance

Minoxidil 50 mg per 1 g (5% w/w).

Other Ingredients (Excipients)

• Ethanol anhydrous: A solvent. Can cause a burning sensation on damaged skin or eye irritation.
• Cetyl alcohol, Stearyl alcohol: Emulsifiers. May cause local skin reactions (e.g., contact dermatitis).
• Butylated hydroxytoluene (E321): An antioxidant. May cause local skin reactions or irritation to eyes and mucous membranes.
• Purified water, lactic acid, citric acid anhydrous, glycerol, polysorbate 60, propane, butane, isobutane.

Allergen Warning

If you have known sensitivities to alcohols or the listed ingredients, do not use this product.

How to Use Regaine

Regaine foam is for topical use on the scalp only. Do not apply to other parts of the body.

Regaine Dosage Guidelines

The dosage is the same for all adult men aged 18-49.

Dosage Information

• Dose: 1 g (equivalent to half a capful) twice daily.
• Maximum Daily Dose: Do not exceed 2 g per day.
• Frequency: Apply twice daily, leaving at least 12 hours between applications.

Administration Instructions

Follow these steps for correct application:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Ensure your hair and scalp are completely dry.
3. To open, match the arrow on the can ring with the arrow on the cap and pull off.
4. Hold the can upside down and press the nozzle to dispense half a capful of foam onto your fingers. Tip: If your fingers are warm, rinse them in cold water first and dry thoroughly to prevent the foam from melting too quickly.
5. Massage the foam lightly into the dry, affected areas of your scalp.
6. Wash your hands thoroughly after application.
7. Do not wash your hair for at least 4 hours after application.

Missed Dose Management

If you miss one or two applications, just continue with your next normal dose. Do not use a double dose to make up for a forgotten application.

Overdose Information

If anyone uses too much of this medicine, or if it is accidentally swallowed, seek immediate medical advice and take the medicine container with you. Swallowing minoxidil can cause serious systemic side effects such as a severe drop in blood pressure and increased heart rate.

Regaine Side Effects

Like all medicines, Regaine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Stop using Regaine and seek IMMEDIATE medical help if you experience:

• Chest pain.
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat causing difficulty in swallowing or breathing (signs of a severe allergic reaction).

Stop using Regaine and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• Allergic reactions (skin redness, itching, throat tightness).
• Low blood pressure, fast heartbeat, or palpitations.
• Faintness or dizziness.
• Swollen hands or feet, shortness of breath, sudden unexplained weight gain.
• Persistent local redness or rash.

Other side effects:

• Very Common (affects more than 1 in 10 people): Headache.
• Common (affects up to 1 in 10 people): Itching, dermatitis. Unwanted hair growth on other parts of the body (e.g., forehead, cheeks) if the product accidentally transfers from hands.
• Uncommon (affects up to 1 in 100 people): Nausea.
• Rare (affects up to 1 in 1,000 people): Change in hair colour or texture.
• Frequency not known:
  • Depressed mood, eye irritation, vomiting.
  • Scalp irritation (redness, dryness, flaky skin).
  • Acne-like rash, itchy rash, blistering, bleeding, or ulceration.
  • Temporary hair loss during the first 2-6 weeks (shedding of old hairs to make way for new growth). This should stop within a few weeks.

Reporting Side Effects

You can report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme.

How to Store Regaine

• Do not store above 25°C.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Danger: Extremely flammable aerosol. Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames, and other ignition sources. No smoking. Do not pierce or burn, even after use. Protect from sunlight. Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50°C.
• Do not use after the expiry date on the base of the can.
• Dispose of via a pharmacy; do not throw away with household waste.

Regaine Pack Information

Regaine for Men Extra Strength Scalp Foam is a white foam contained in a 73 ml (equivalent to 60 g) aluminium aerosol can.

Pack Sizes

1 can (1 month supply) or 3 cans (3 month supply).

Product Licence Holder

McNeil Products Ltd, UK.

Where Can I Buy Regaine Online in the UK