A common bathroom cabinet product that is so toxic to pets that just a small amount of residue on your hands can be FATAL
Medics have warned pet owners about a widely available over-the-counter health product that is so toxic to animals that just one lick of it on a person’s hands can be fatal.
Dr. Joe Whittington, a US-based doctor with more than 2 million followers on TikTok, has issued a warning about the common hair loss drug minoxidil.
Minoxidil is sold under the brands Rogaine and Regaine and comes as a foam or liquid that stimulates hair growth.
Dr. However, Whittington said those who use it should be aware of the little-known danger it can pose to pets.
“It is so toxic that even the smallest exposure can be life-threatening, especially for cats, because their bodies are unable to metabolize it,” he said in a recent video that has been viewed 790,000 times.
‘Just walking on the residue or licking it off your skin can cause serious toxicity.
‘Protect your furry friends by washing your hands, cleaning up spills and storing them out of reach. Your hair journey doesn’t have to endanger their lives!’
Minoxidil was originally developed to treat high blood pressure, but was also found to increase blood flow to the scalp, increasing hair growth.
Medics have warned pet owners to beware of a widely available over-the-counter health product that is so toxic to animals that just one lick from a person’s hands or paws can be fatal. Stock image
Foams and liquid solutions of the drug are becoming increasingly popular online and are sold by pharmacies for as little as £20.
Although minoxidil is available on the NHS in blood pressure form, it is not available on the health service for hair loss as it is considered an aesthetic problem.
A survey of more than 1,500 Britons by Lloyds Pharmacy found that almost a fifth of men have tried an over-the-counter hair loss treatment such as minoxidil.
The drug can be used for both men and women suffering from genetically related hair loss, as well as for patients who have lost hair due to cancer treatment.
Although, as Dr. Whittington emphasized, minoxidil foams and solutions also pose a particular threat to pets, humans are also at risk from ingesting the drug.
Patient safety brochures state that it is for external use only and that if accidentally swallowed, patients should go to hospital immediately.
It also advises washing your hands thoroughly after applying it to the scalp.