Minoxidil is the active ingredient in some hair loss treatment preparations, including Rogaine and some generic products. Rogaine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating androgenetic alopecia, or genetic hair loss. The condition is commonly referred to as male pattern balding, but it happens to women as well. You can buy topical minoxidil without a prescription.
Function
Minoxidil is a potassium channel opener, and it can be prescribed as an oral drug to reduce blood pressure by widening blood vessels. For hair loss treatment, minoxidil may work by widening blood vessels in the scalp, which could increase hair follicle size, improve hair follicle function and stimulate hair growth. This may produce thicker hair and allow the hair to grow longer before it falls out, explains the Hair Loss Learning Center.
Features
Minoxidil products are available in 5 percent and 2 percent strengths. The 2-percent product is intended for women because the stronger preparation can cause hair growth on the forehead, although this is rare. Most people do not experience regrowth of hair when using minoxidil, according to the Hair Loss Learning Center, although it might stimulate a thin coverage of thin hair. The primary benefit of minoxidil is to slow or prevent further hair loss. Up to 60 percent of users of the 5-percent product report some success, according to the Hair Loss Learning Center.
Usage
Minoxidil for hair loss is provided as a lotion, or a liquid that can be applied as a spray or with a rub-on applicator. You apply the preparation once in the morning and once at night. You should use only 2 ml or less per day, cautions Drugs.com, because more medication will not help hair growth and can cause dangerous side effects if your body absorbs the substance.
Time Frame
Any new hair growth resulting from minoxidil treatment likely will not appear for at least four months, and it may take up to 12 months, according to MedlinePlus. The new hair is usually colorless and hard to see, but improves with further treatment. If you stop using minoxidil, any new hair growth will shed within a few months.
Side Effects
The most likely side effects from minoxidil hair loss treatment include skin itching, irritation, burning sensations, dryness, redness, flaking and sensitivity to sunlight. Some people experience headaches. Minoxidil can paradoxically cause more hair shedding at the beginning of treatment in a small percentage of users. MedlinePlus cautions you not to apply minoxidil to broken, irritated or sunburned skin, which could allow more medication to be absorbed into the body. Side effects associated with excessive absorption may include dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing and irregular or rapid heartbeat.
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