Calcium channel blockers and minoxidil ???

[zb00st]

Minoxidil may also enhance hair growth by reducing the calcium influx in the cells. Calcium triggers off those epidermal growth factors that inhibit the growth of hair fibers. Minoxidil sulphate being a potassium channel opener induces the potassium ions to enter the cells and blocks the influx of calcium in the cells thereby facilitating hair growth.

Source: http://www.alopeciaareatainfo.com/alope ... ment.shtml

Ok so according to this description of the minoxidil action, calcium influx in the cells is inhibited. So this means less calcium influx is better for hair. This should mean that oral calcium channel blockers such as vepamaril and diltiazem which are also vasolidator drugs could help and in combination with minoxidil promote hair growth.

I searched a bit for this and found this interesting old patent for topical: Combination of pyrimidine derivatives (minoxidil) and calcium antagonists to induce and stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss - http://www.freepatentsonline.com/5059606.html

According to other sources over internet calcium supplement helps hair growth ? Why then calcium influx is not good for hair according to the minoxidil mechanism of action ? Maybe they say it helps hair growth because you will need Mg and Ca.

And here comes my experiment. I was on the Big 3 and got very good results, especially from minoxidil. Regrew hair at the front, shedding stopped and things were good for the past 4 months. So I respond good to minoxidil. 1 month ago I added oral Diltiazem low dosage 60-120mg ED.
Diltiazem hydrochloride is a calcium ion cellular influx inhibitor (slow channel blocker or calcium antagonist).
In the past 2 weeks I'm shedding all over the scalp and still continues. Side effects for this drug include hair loss but the exact mechanism in which the drug is causing it is not understood. I've read that drugs such as beta blockers and calcium channel blockers cause Telogen Effluvium - http://en.allexperts.com/q/Hair-Loss-10 ... oss-94.htm
I wonder when the shedding will stop and will the hair that grows be stronger and better than before ? And will shedding stop at all or I have to withdraw the drug and stop taking it and just continue with my old successful regimen ?

 

[zb00st]

I stopped diltiazem because of skin rashes and itchiness which are some side effects of the drug. Hope to regrew the hair that was shed as good as it was before the shed :roll: