Minoxidil

Minoxidil: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil belongs to the vasodilators (dilate blood vessels) class of drugs. It was initially developed as an oral antihypertensive agent, but the discovery of its common side effect hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth) led to the development of a topical (applied on the skin) solution for hair loss in men and women. It is indicated for the treatment of alopecia (hair loss).

What are the uses of Minoxidil?

Conventionally, oral Minoxidil is used for the treatment of severe hypertension. Topical Minoxidil, approved by the FDA, is indicated for androgenetic alopecia and female pattern hair loss. However, it is also used as an off-label drug for various hair disorders:

- Alopecia areata.

- Eyebrow enhancement.

- Beard enhancement.

- Chemotherapy-induced alopecia.

- Frontal fibrosing alopecia.

- Scarring alopecia.

Now, oral Minoxidil is also available in doses such as 1.25mg, 2.5mg, and 5mg to treat androgenetic alopecia. It should not be used without a prescription from registered medical personnel.

Children below 18 years or people above 65 years should not use this medicine without proper medical consultation.