Minoxidil has the important distinction of being the first FDA approved treatment for hair loss. Minoxidil was first prescribed and used as an oral tablet to treat high blood pressure. It was during this time, that hair growth was noticed as a side-effect. Not missing an opportunity, UpJohn explored developing it as a solution to hair loss and came out with a 2 percent topical solution in the mid 1980s called Rogaine. Since then, UpJohn has developed a 5 percent solution (extra strength Rogaine) and Rogaine for Women. Minoxidil has also moved from being a prescription required product to being available for over the counter sales.

Since the 1990s, numerous generic forms of minoxidil have become available to treat hair loss while the oral form is still used to treat high blood pressure and ONLY high blood pressure. Other hair loss treatment "cures" have come out in the last decade which have similar sounding names to Rogaine, but should not be confused with that product. "Clinical tests on the effectiveness of topical minoxidil in men with baldness on the top of the head showed that 48% of men who had used minoxidil for one year reported moderate to dense re-growth of hair within the treated area. Thirty-six percent reported minimal re-growth. While 16% reported no re-growth. Similar percentages have been reported in women." (1) For a long time, minoxidil was only believed to be effective on the crown and top of the head. However, recent evidence shows that minoxidil can be effective in treating frontal hair loss, but not necessarily temple hair loss.

"Results at 48 weeks (study conclusion) show that visible, photographically evident improvements were seen in the frontal scalp regions of 51 percent of men using 5 percent minoxidil, 42 percent using 2 percent minoxidil, and 13 percent of placebo users. Among these men, moderate to great increases in hair growth were seen in the frontal scalp regions of 19 percent of men using 5 percent minoxidil, 10 percent using 2 percent minoxidil, and 3 percent of placebo users." (2)

DO NOT CONFUSE these findings to conclude minoxidil will help you regrow your hair in the temple regions.

Dosage recommendations for minoxidil include applying 1 milliliter of the liquid directly to the bald area daily. The hair and scalp should be thoroughly cleaned and dry before application. Once applied, the minoxidil solution should be allowed to dry on it's own without help from a blow dryer or towel. While the hair is still wet from the minoxidil, it should not come in contact with clothing, hats, pillow cases, bedding or furniture (such as sitting back in your favorite Lazy Boy or laying on the couch).

If not carefully applied, minoxidil can create new hair growth where none was intended. Patients, especially women, should be carefully to only apply it to the hair loss affected region and to keep it away from the face and neck. Users should also wash their hands when finished applying the product.

Due to the normal hair growth cycle all people undergo, new hair growth with minoxidil may not be noticed for 3 to 4 months. At that time, minoxidil users may notice less hair loss or new hair that is light and barely visible. With more time and use, these vellous-like hairs will become thicker and stronger.

Some hair transplant doctors recommend using minoxidil to speed up the growth rate of implanted hair grafts. Talk to your doctor before using it for this purpose.

The most common side-effect associated with minoxidil is itchiness and or irritation of the treated scalp. These symptoms should go away on their own within 2 to 4 weeks of first using the product. Other side-effects, which are rare, include: blurred vision, chest pain, low blood pressure, headache and light-headedness. Each bottle of minoxidil comes with a complete product information sheet which should be read carefully. Even though no prescription is required, patients should still consult with their doctor or dermatologist before using minoxidil.

The oral equivalent of minoxidil, Loniten, is prescribed for patients with high blood pressure and should not be considered as a substitute for the topical solution for treating hair loss.

One final important note about minoxidil is that it is only a treatment for hair loss, not a cure. When a patient stops using minoxidil, all of the new hair will be lost in approximately 90 days.

Further Reading:
MedLine Plus Drug Information - Topical Minoxidil
History of Minoxidil
Minoxidil for Crown Hair Loss
List of Minoxidil Studies

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