Minoxidil (Rogaine) For Hair Loss

During the late 1970s, the FDA authorized the distribution of this compound as Loniten in the form of oral pills. Since then, Loniten has become the preferred treatment for patients suffering from high blood pressure.

Researchers discovered that Loniten exhibited a peculiar side effect, additional hair growth, through various tests and research. However, this hair growth occurred in strange places: on individuals' cheeks, the backs of the hands, and the forehead.

The manufacturer issued a new patent, which eventually led the FDA to approve the drug for sale via prescription as Rogaine in 1988. At this point, Rogaine became a primary topical solution for hair loss in men.

In 1991, the manufacturer produced a formula of minoxidil for women. In 1996, Rogaine received approval for sale as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. Today, Rogaine is widely known and is well accepted as an OTC drug to treat hair loss in men.

You can purchase this popular hair loss treatment as a liquid or a foam form as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. It's available under multiple brand names unique to each store that sells it, like Equate (now privately owned by Walmart), Kirkland (Costco), or Well at Walgreens.

Rogaine works for certain types of baldness and only by continued use. However, you probably will not grow back all your lost hair.

The exact mechanism of action for minoxidil, the active ingredient, is uncertain. However, experts believe that minoxidil works by partially expanding hair follicles by opening up blood vessels and allowing extra blood flow through the hair follicles to function more efficiently, thus producing more hair. It might be why some people taking oral minoxidil experience hair growth in unwanted parts of the body.

1. Fill up the applicator with 1 milliliter of minoxidil, or place 20 drops in an eyedropper.
2. Remember to part your hair in the area of thinning to expose it and apply the liquid solution evenly to the affected area of the scalp.
3. Gently rub it in until it is completely absorbed.
4. Be sure that the solution dries thoroughly before using other styling products (gels or mousse) or before going to bed.
5. Follow the same procedure but with a different dosage when using the foam solution.
6. Apply about half a capful of foam to the scalp and gently rub it in. Like the liquid solution, allow the foam to dry thoroughly before going to bed or add any product to your hair for styling.

Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after application, whether using the liquid or foam solution. Avoid the medication from getting into your eyes. If you do, rinse your eyes with large amounts of cool water.

Do not use minoxidil on damaged skin (cuts, scrapes, or burns, including sunburn). If you get some in your eyes, too much drug will be absorbed in your body and result in serious side effects. If you have damaged skin, allow the scalp to repair itself and wait for the skin to get back to normal before using minoxidil treatments.

To gain significant results, you have to use this medication consistently for four to six months. If your condition worsens or you don't see any improvement after six months to one year, your doctor may recommend another form of hair loss treatment.

• Inflammation at the hair roots.
• Increased hair loss.
• Unwanted facial or body hair.
• Swelling in the face or scalp.
• Changes in vision, such as blurriness.
• Chest pain.
• Severe dizziness.
• Fainting.
• Fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Rapid weight gain.
• Persistent headache.
• Difficulty breathing, especially when lying down.

Doctors use minoxidil as part of the treatment for male pattern baldness or in cases with no substantial hair growth on the scalp resulting from using fin########. Some patients respond appropriately with minoxidil. Additionally, fin######## is a highly effective nonsurgical hair loss treatment option for many men.

Before trying minoxidil, be sure to speak with your doctor. Your personal or family history may change the probability of possible side effects, especially if you have cardiac issues.