Advice for Men Taking Viagra Whilst Using Hair Loss Treatment

Gin and tonic, fish and chips, Lennon and McCartney... there are some partnerships that just work - and there are other things which really don't belong together.

One such unfavourable combo is of particular relevance to men who are using hair loss treatment whilst also taking Viagra.

Minoxidil and Viagra

The MHRA-licensed and FDA-approved topical Male Pattern Baldness treatment, high strength minoxidil and the erectile dysfunction drug - which, whilst commonly known by one of its brand names (Viagra), is also referred to by its active ingredient, sildenafil - are contraindicated.

This means there are risks associated with using both medications simultaneously.

Sildenafil, under the brand name Revatio, is also used to treat pulmonary hypertension and this is also the case for these patients if they are also using minoxidil hair loss solutions.

Minoxidil is a vasodilator; when applied to the scalp to help accelerate localised hair growth, is absorbed into the bloodstream. This can occasionally have cardiovascular effects such as decreased blood pressure, dizziness and headaches due to low blood pressure, and palpitations; taking sildenafil whilst using minoxidil can increase the risk of these issues occurring.

"Usually if patients are using minoxidil and also occasionally take Viagra, we advise them not to use minoxidil on the day they need Viagra. We also update their medical records regularly and monitor their blood pressure anyway," advises Belgravia hair loss specialist, Rali Bozhinova.

"The other clinically-proven Male Hair Loss Treatment, finasteride 1mg is not contraindicated with Viagra per se - there’s no interaction between the two drugs. However, if a patient has erectile dysfunction, it is Belgravia policy not to prescribe them finasteride due to its possible side effects which include inability to develop or maintain an erection, problems with ejaculation such as reduced amount of ejaculatory fluid, low libido, and infertility."

Importance of monitoring during treatment

This type of situation is one of the reasons specialists ask anyone having a consultation with a view to possibly starting hair loss treatment at Belgravia to provide certain medical information, including which medications they are currently taking.

This medical history is taken in order to bring up any potential issues which may make them unsuitable for certain hair loss treatments, or so they may be advised how best to combine their medications as safely as possible.

Their information is regularly updated and each patient's dedicated Treatment Advisor checks in with them throughout their course to find out how they're getting on and confirm their details are up-to-date.

This supportive approach ensures the client is always on the optimal course for their specific needs or, where necessary, appropriate changes to their treatments are discussed and made.

For those 'going it alone' with store-bought hair loss products, it is vital that the patient information leaflet is read fully before use to ensure suitability. Anyone who is not sure whether or not they may be suitable for a particular product should check with a pharmacist, their GP or the manufacturer. This should happen both before treatment begins and again should any significant changes in health or lifestyle - for instance, when starting a new medication - occur.