Indications
Procapil is a cosmetic hair-care ingredient complex used in scalp serums, lotions and shampoos. It is marketed to help reduce hair fall, strengthen hair roots and support thicker-looking hair in people with thinning hair, including common pattern hair loss. It is often combined with ingredients such as peptides, Niacinamide, Biotin and L-Arginine. It is a cosmetic, not a medicine, and evidence for its effect comes mainly from small manufacturer studies.
How It Works
Procapil combines three ingredients: a vitamin-peptide compound (biotinoyl tripeptide-1), apigenin (a plant flavonoid) and oleanolic acid (from olive leaves). Together they are claimed to help anchor the hair in its root, improve blood flow around the follicle and reduce the effect of the hormone DHT on hair follicles. These effects have not been confirmed in large independent studies.
Dosage and Administration
Use as directed on the product label. For a serum, it is usually applied to a clean, dry or towel-dried scalp once or twice a day, massaged gently into the thinning areas and not rinsed off. Results, if any, generally take at least 3 months of regular use to appear. Wash your hands after applying.
Interactions
No interactions with medicines are known. It can usually be used alongside other hair treatments, but ask a doctor or pharmacist before combining it with prescription scalp medicines such as Minoxidil, to avoid irritation.
Contraindications
- Known allergy to any ingredient of the product.
- Broken, infected or severely inflamed scalp.
Side Effects
It is generally well tolerated. Some people may notice mild itching, redness, dryness or flaking of the scalp. Stop using it if irritation persists.
Get urgent medical help if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, eyes or lips, widespread rash or difficulty breathing. See a doctor for sudden, patchy or rapid hair loss, as it may have a medical cause.
Pregnancy and Lactation
There is no specific safety information for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Hair loss after childbirth usually improves on its own. Ask your doctor before using hair growth products during this time.
Precautions and Warnings
For external use on the scalp only. Avoid contact with the eyes; if it gets in, rinse well with water. Do patch testing on a small area first if you have sensitive skin. Hair loss can be caused by thyroid disease, anaemia, nutritional deficiency, stress or medicines, so see a doctor if hair loss is heavy or unexplained.
Overdose
Using more than directed will not give faster results and may irritate the scalp. If swallowed, rinse the mouth and contact a doctor if symptoms occur.
Therapeutic Class
Cosmetic hair-care ingredient (anti-hair fall complex).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Close the bottle tightly after use.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.