2% minoxidil or "simply use a bit less of the 5% solution"

[rcom440]

I have 4 bottles of 2% minoxidil that I would like to use. As everyone knows, Bryan always says using less of the 5% solution will work as aprox. 2%. So If I apply around 2ml of 2% minoxidil it will be as good as around 4%?
I was always wondering about that

 

[BodyDysmorphic]

no the concentration of the minx differs

2% is not the same as 5% or comparable to 4%
regardless of the amount applied

the 2% is better than nothing

 

[Bryan]

no the concentration of the minx differs

2% is not the same as 5% or comparable to 4%
regardless of the amount applied

It IS comparable to 4%, if you apply twice as much. Both versions of Rogaine (2% and 5%) turn into the same thing when you apply them to your scalp: saturated solutions of minoxidil dissolved in propylene glycol. Even Upjohn scientists themselves have admitted that! One would expect Upjohn scientists (the ones who actually DESIGNED and MANUFACTURED the stuff) to know all about that!! :shock: :jackit:

 

[rcom440]

why use 2% when you can use 5%?

I know but as I said, I have bottles of 2% minoxidil that I would like to use.

 

[rcom440]

no the concentration of the minx differs

2% is not the same as 5% or comparable to 4%
regardless of the amount applied

the 2% is better than nothing

thanks for the reply. Do you have any material (links/studies) to back that up?
My Doctor says that 2 ml. of 2% minoxidil will not be 4% monoxidil but sometimes I think he doesn't know what he's talking about :shakehead:

 

[rcom440]

no the concentration of the minx differs

2% is not the same as 5% or comparable to 4%
regardless of the amount applied

It IS comparable to 4%, if you apply twice as much. Both versions of Rogaine (2% and 5%) turn into the same thing when you apply them to your scalp: saturated solutions of minoxidil dissolved in propylene glycol. Even Upjohn scientists themselves have admitted that! One would expect Upjohn scientists (the ones who actually DESIGNED and MANUFACTURED the stuff) to know all about that!! :shock: :jackit:

That makes sense Brian. However, Doctor doesn't believe that but as I already said sometimes I feel like he doesn't know what he's talking about.

OK. so when we apply 1 ml. of 5% monox on our scalp and only 1/3 (one third) of 1 ml. to our hairline that would give us much less than 5% of minoxidil in that area (hairline) and it would be less effective if he apply more then 1/3 of 5% minoxidil.
But, how come the Rogaine brochure says that it won't make any difference in the effectiveness of the solution if we apply more 1 ml. I'm puzzled why would they say that. :dunno:

 

[Bryan]

But, how come the Rogaine brochure says that it won't make any difference in the effectiveness of the solution if we apply more 1 ml. I'm puzzled why would they say that. :dunno:

Because the manufacturers of Rogaine have to follow the explicit instructions of the FDA about what they can put on the label, and the FDA requires that they have that bullshit about how more than 1 mL won't work any better. The FDA is LYING about it.

 

[rcom440]

But, how come the Rogaine brochure says that it won't make any difference in the effectiveness of the solution if we apply more 1 ml. I'm puzzled why would they say that. :dunno:

Because the manufacturers of Rogaine have to follow the explicit instructions of the FDA about what they can put on the label, and the FDA requires that they have that bullshit about how more than 1 mL won't work any better. The FDA is LYING about it.

ok. thank you Bryan

 

[rcom440]

Bryan,

You have probably answered this question before, but I am currently unable to find the answer to it:

How much minoxidil 5% could you apply in one go before the scalp becomes too saturated? The reason I ask is that applying more than one ml is better but to what point?

I think Bryan is busy.
You don't want to overdose on minoxidil like that meaning DON'T GO CRAZY because you may start having side effects. However, you may experiment of how much of minoxidil you can handle and if you start having side effects just decrease the dosage. Good luck and let us know how it goes for you.

 

[Bryan]

How much minoxidil 5% could you apply in one go before the scalp becomes too saturated? The reason I ask is that applying more than one ml is better but to what point?

The closest I can come to answering that question is to quote the study below. Note that they used only a 3% topical solution, and applying it to the scalp four times a day appeared to cause about the maximum amount of systemic absorption as was possible. If you're applying a standard 5% solution, it should be even easier to saturate the scalp:

Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1989 Apr;45(4):396-402. "Absorption of minoxidil after topical application: effect of frequency and site of application."
Eller MG, Szpunar GJ, Della-Coletta AA.
Clinical Pharmacy Unit, Upjohn Company, Cincinnati, OH.

The effect of application site and frequency on the systemic absorption of topical minoxidil was studied in 52 normal men. Subjects received 1 ml 3% minoxidil solution applied four, six, or eight times daily to the scalp or two, four, six, or eight times daily to the chest for 14 days. Serum and urine were collected and analyzed for minoxidil. No systemic minoxidil accumulation occurred from increasing application frequency to the scalp. Trends in the chest data suggest that absorption may have been lower with the twice-daily regimen. Absorption through the scalp and chest were similar for the lower-frequency regimens; however, trends in the eight-times-a-day regimens suggest that absorption may have been somewhat greater from application to the scalp. Systemic minoxidil accumulation resulting from frequent application is unlikely. The initial dose probably saturates the skin for a period of time longer than the dosing intervals examined.

 

[ali777]

I have used both 2% and 5% in the past. Bryan will correct me if I'm wrong, but I always thought the amount of minoxidil absorbed with 2% solution was as good as with 5%. The reason why 2% works much more efficiently is the concentration of alcohol in the solution. I remember Bryan has posted some studies on the effects of alcohol in minoxidil absorption.

I think you should use your 2% without much worrying. If in doubt, just apply 2ml.

PS: I no longer apply minoxidil. it gives me bloated face and dark circles around my eyes.

 

[rcom440]

I think you should use your 2% without much worrying. If in doubt, just apply 2ml.

PS: I no longer apply minoxidil. it gives me bloated face and dark circles around my eyes.

2% is as effective as 5%? I'm not sure but I remember Brian saying something like that in the past. At the moment, I'm applying around 2ml of 2% minoxidil. At night I go for 1ml. of 5%

 

[rcom440]

I dont think Bryan said 2% is better, I remember reading that 2.5ml of 2% minoxidil turns into the same as one ml 5% because they both turn into the same thing on the scalp. I dont think theres much point in going ito detail with these because theres a 15 page spread about this discussed in detail.

yes I remember that. Thanks for the correction