Tugain (Minoxidil) Gel 5%

Manufacturer: Cipla, India

Pharmaceutical name: Minoxidil

Pack: 1 bottle (60gm (5%))

Tugain Gel is an external treatment for androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness. It is designed for men to help stabilize hair loss and promote hair regrowth in thinning areas, although it should not be applied to frontal baldness or a receding hairline. Tugain Gel tends to work best in the early stages of hair loss or when it is recent, especially in smaller areas at the vertex. While Tugain Gel cannot fully cure baldness, it can slow down hair loss progression in both the frontal and vertex regions of the scalp. This product is not recommended for women experiencing female pattern baldness.

 

Tugain Gel contains Minoxidil, a vasodilator that works by widening blood vessels and is believed to directly stimulate the growth of hair follicles by improving blood circulation in the scalp and promoting cell multiplication in dormant hair follicles. Another way it may work is by extending the anagen (growth) phase of hair and enlarging the hair follicle, which helps prevent premature entry into the resting phase (telogen). Hair loss occurs when hair follicles shrink and subsequently produce shorter, finer hairs that fail to emerge fully. The longer these follicles remain inactive, the more challenging it becomes for them to respond and initiate new growth.

 

You should apply Tugain Gel twice daily, in the morning and evening, to clean, dry hair and scalp, targeting the areas where hair loss is occurring. Start by applying gel to the center of the affected region and gently spread it over the surrounding skin to ensure full coverage. Allow the gel to dry for four hours before washing, or let it dry for 2-4 hours before sleeping. Remember to wash your hands with soap and water right after application; apply Tugain Gel only to the scalp to avoid unwanted hair growth on other body parts. Only apply the gel to healthy scalp areas where the skin is intact. Use Tugain Gel consistently, and you may begin to see new hair growth within 3-4 months. If you discontinue use, new growth will stop, and you may lose the newly grown hair.

 

If you forget to apply Tugain Gel, do so as soon as you remember, unless it is nearing the time for your next application; in that case, skip the missed dose. Do not apply more than twice a day to compensate for a missed application.

 

The most frequently reported side effects of Tugain Gel include local irritation at the application site, such as redness, dryness, itching, a burning sensation, scalp flaking, and rashes. There may also be changes in hair color or texture, along with initial increased hair loss as old hairs shed for new hair growth. Additionally, contact with areas like the forehead may cause hypertrichosis or unwanted hair growth.

 

Do not use Tugain Gel if you: are allergic to minoxidil or any components of Tugain Gel; lack a family history of hair loss; experience sudden or unexplained hair loss; have an irritated, inflamed, infected, or painful scalp, including conditions like sunburn or psoriasis; have cardiovascular issues without consulting a physician; or are taking medications that might interact with Tugain Gel, such as other topical treatments like tretinoin for acne, anthralin, or dithranol for psoriasis.

 

Store Tugain Gel in a cool, dry place below 25°C and protect it from light.