Examples
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 |
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.
