Minoxidil for hair loss
Content provided by Healthwise
Examples
| Brand Name | Generic Name |
| Rogaine | minoxidil |
Minoxidil (2% or 5% solution) is a spray or lotion that you put directly on your scalp twice a day. It is available without a prescription.
How It Works
It is unclear how minoxidil affects hair growth. Minoxidil appears to increase hair follicles 
and increase the diameter of hair shafts.
Minoxidil has been approved for both men and women.
Why It Is Used
Minoxidil was originally used to treat high blood pressure. It is now also used to treat inherited hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), the most common cause of hair loss. And it is used to treat other causes of hair loss, too.
How Well It Works
Minoxidil slows hair loss and grows new hair. In men, the 5% solution appears to be more effective than the 2% solution, but it costs more and may have more side effects.1
Some people who take minoxidil only grow hair that is thin and wispy or similar to peach fuzz.
Minoxidil seems to work best on people younger than 30 years of age who have been losing hair for fewer than 5 years.2
Side Effects
The most common side effects include skin irritation, dandruff, and an itchy scalp. In women, minoxidil may promote facial hair growth, especially on the forehead and cheeks.
If you have heart problems, ask your doctor about using this medicine.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Minoxidil must be used daily. If you stop using minoxidil, any regrown hair will gradually be lost, and within 6 to 12 months the scalp will most likely appear the same as before treatment.
Women may have more hair growth if they take minoxidil with estrogen (such as hormone replacement or birth control pills).
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
Olsen EA, et al. (2002). A randomized clinical trial of 5% topical minoxidil versus 2% topical minoxidil and placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 47: 377–385.
Habif TP (2004). Hair diseases. In Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy, 4th ed., pp. 834–863. Philadelphia: Mosby.
Credits
| Author | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology |
| Last Updated | June 17, 2008 |
| Last updated: | June 17, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Related Articles
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
