Minoxidil in the Treatment of Hair Loss

Minoxidil was developed as an orally administered medication to treat high blood pressure. It is what is called an antihypertensive vasodilator medication. However, some time in the mid 1970s, the fact that topical use of the drug encouraged hair growth was discovered as a useful side effect. The Upjohn Corporation patented the hair growth product in the 1980s. Now the patent is expired and Minoxidil  for hair loss is available as a generic topical medication without prescription.

Minoxidil can be effective in treating a particular condition that has led to pattern baldness, generally in men and women under 40 years old. It does not cure the condition, but can treat some hair loss if used regularly. Effectiveness has been clinically demonstrated on men who have experienced hair loss for less than five years. Success really depends on the causes of the baldness. The formulation will work as a therapy for a specific condition only. The way the medication works is not clearly understood. Two large-scale clinical studies are currently being conducted to develop a diagnostic test that will allow patients to determine if the treatment will work or not.

Topical Minoxidil is sold in various forms with metered spray applicators and rub-on applicators. It is also available in different concentrations.  It should be applied to dry scalp. It should not be applied to sunburned scalp. The formulation can be irritating to skin, so if it accidentally comes in contact with skin the areas should be washed thoroughly with cool water.

The usual instruction is to apply it to the scalp twice a day. About 40% of men have experienced hair re-growth after between three and six months of regular application. To maintain hair growth the Minoxidil has to be regularly applied indefinitely.

There are separate formulations for men and women. Women should not use the higher concentration men's formulation.

Minoxidil is not a baldness cure-all but it is a serious therapy for pre-mature pattern baldness in men and women. Xandrox supplies Minoxidil in a range of strengths for men and women. Please contact us for more information.