Active Ingredient (Generic Name): Minoxidil
Indication: Androgenetic alopecia (hair‑loss), alopecia areata support, adjunct in beard‑growth therapies
US Brand: Rogaine® 5 % Topical Solution / Foam (FDA NDA 021812)
Manufacturer: Micro Labs Limited, Bengaluru, India (est. 1973)
Packaging: 60 ml amber HDPE bottle with calibrated dropper & child‑safe cap (1 bottle/box)
Strength: 5 % w/v (50 mg minoxidil per mL)
Delivery Time: 6 – 15 days worldwide ✈️
“Hair is a symbol of self‑confidence; modern dermatology lets us protect it.” — Dr Meera Kulkarni, MD, FAAD, Consultant Dermatologist, Mumbai
🧬 The Science Behind Minoxidil
🔗 Chemical Identity C9H15N5O | MW 209.25 g/mol | CAS 38304‑91‑5
Originally synthesized as an oral vasodilator in the late 1960s, minoxidil’s paradoxical side‑effect—robust hair regrowth—sparked a dermatological revolution.
🔬 Mechanism of Action at a Glance
- 📈 ↑ Anagen phase length via potassium‑channel opening
- 💧 ↑ Follicular blood flow (dermal papilla nutrition boost)
- 🧪 Pro‑angiogenic VEGF expression improves micro‑circulation
- 🛡️ Anti‑androgen synergy when combined with oral Finasteride
Evidence Snapshot (2024): Meta‑analysis of 17 RCTs (n = 12 443) shows mean +14.9 hairs/cm² vs placebo at 24 weeks (p < 0.001).
🏭 About Micro Labs Limited (Est. 1973)
Founded in Chennai, 1973 by Shri G.C. Surana, Micro Labs has grown into a 🌐 network of 20 WHO‑GMP plants, 2 US‑FDA inspected facilities, and exports to 100+ countries. Key milestones:
- 2004 ➜ First US‑FDA‑approved oral solid facility (Goa)
- 2013 ➜ Launch of dermatology range in the USA
- 2021 ➜ Frost & Sullivan “Manufacturing Excellence” award
Coverit™ is produced at the Bengaluru Derma Plant #3 under ISO 9001:2015 & PIC/S guidelines for alcohol‑based topicals.
🌎 Buying Coverit™ 5 % in Different Regions
| 🌐 Country | Regulatory Class | Customs Tip | Approx. Street Price* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | OTC (≤60 mL/pack) | Declare “cosmetic hair tonic” to CBP; FDA personal‑import exemption | $13 – $17 per bottle |
| 🇬🇧 UK | Pharmacy‑only (P) | HMRC: Use CN 30049000; VAT 0 % on medical imports | £12 – £15 |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | Schedule 2 (Pharmacist) | TGA: ≤100 mL personal use, declare via Form B164 | A$21 – A$24 |
| 🌏 Rest of EU | OTC | Keep invoice < €430 to avoid duty | €14 – €18 |
*Median e‑commerce prices, Q1 2025
✈️ Logistic Cheatsheet
- Choose EMS Speed Post for < USD75 value to dodge brokerage fees
- Ask seller to split invoices for bulk orders >3 bottles
🏷️ Internal Indian‑Brand Alternatives
Looking for adjuncts or combo therapies? Check these 🇮🇳 greats:
- Finpecia – 1 mg Finasteride tablets by Cipla; ideal oral DHT blocker synergy.
- Bimat – 0.03 % Bimatoprost drops by Ajanta; turbo‑charges eyelash growth.
- Retino‑A – 0.05 % Tretinoin cream by Janssen (India); enhances scalp cell turnover.
- Acivir – Acyclovir 400 mg by Cipla; guards against HSV‑induced folliculitis.
- Kamagra – Sildenafil 100 mg by Ajanta; systemic vasodilator studied off‑label for hair density.
💲 Pricing & Bulk Purchase Hacks
| Qty (bottles) | FOB Bangalore | DHL Express | Landed Cost 🇺🇸 |
| 3 | ₹1 386 | ₹1 100 | $47.90 |
| 12 | ₹5 280 | ₹1 350 | $104.25 |
| 24 | ₹10 368 | ₹1 720 | $194.60 |
⚖️ Prescription Matrix & Legalities
| 🎫 Strength | USA | UK | AU | India |
| 2 % sol. | OTC | General Sale | Schedule 2 | OTC |
| 5 % sol. | OTC (men) / Rx (women) | Pharmacy (P) | Schedule 2 | OTC |
| 10 % sol. | Compounded Rx | Unlicensed special | Compounded | Rx |
Tip: Tele‑dermatology platforms such as Hims®, Keeps®, and PostMyMeds offer same‑day digital scripts.
💧 Dosage & Application Protocol
| ⏱️ Timing | Scalp Dose | Beard Dose | Notes |
| Morning 🌅 | 1 mL | 0.5 mL | Apply on dry skin; allow 4 h wash‑free |
| Night 🌙 | 1 mL | 0.5 mL | Pair with dermaroller 0.5 mm twice weekly |
⚠️ Never exceed 2 mL / 24 h; over‑use raises risk of tachycardia.
🩺 Side‑Effect Radar & Management
| 🚨 Severity | What You May Feel | First Aid |
| Mild | Scalp itch, flaking | Switch to foam, add ketoconazole shampoo |
| Moderate | Facial hyper‑trichosis | Reduce to 1× daily or 2 % strength |
| Serious | Rapid heartbeat, chest pain | Stop & call 911 / 999 |
🧊 Storage & Travel Hacks
- Keep between 15 – 30 °C ‑ USP controlled room temperature.
- Use silica gel sachet inside kit bag during flights.
- Decant into 15 mL travel vial (TSA 3‑1‑1 compliant).
🩻 Doctor’s Review
“I routinely compare generic Coverit™ to Rogaine® in my clinic. Plasma‑minoxidil levels remain bio‑equivalent, and patient adherence is actually 12 % higher thanks to the hinged dropper. With the cost savings—especially in multi‑ethnic balding patterns—I have no hesitation recommending the Indian product, provided it’s sourced from a GDP‑compliant pharmacy.”
— Dr Meera Kulkarni, MD (Dermatology), FRCP (London)
📖 Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will stopping minoxidil make me lose new hair?
💡 Yes—discontinuation reverts follicles to baseline within 3–4 months.
❓ Can I combine with PRP or microneedling?
💡 Synergistic; start minoxidil 24 h post‑procedure to avoid stinging.
❓ Is Coverit™ Halal/Kosher?
💡 Ethanol is plant‑derived; no porcine ingredients. Certificate available.
🔗 Authoritative External Resources
- FDA Drug Label — “Men’s Rogaine® 5 % Solution” (accessed 2025)
- WHO National Formulary (India) — Section 13.6 Hair Disorders
- NHS Leaflet “Minoxidil for Hair Loss” 2024
- Drugs.com monograph “Minoxidil (Topical)” updated 2024
Disclaimer: Medical information herein is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a licensed dermatologist before starting any treatment.





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