In 1988, minoxidil was the first drug to ever receive the approval of the United States Food and Drug Administration as a hair loss treatment. Initially sold as Rogaine in the United States and Regaine in other parts of the world, it was a prescription item until 1996, when the FDA allowed it to be sold as an over-the-counter product.
Minoxidil is available for both men and women to treat hair loss.
History
Minoxidil was originally developed to treat high blood pressure. Its ability to slow down hair loss was discovered by accident as an unintended side effect of the drug.
The initial patent for Rogaine ran out in February 1996, and the first generic brands began hitting the shelf in April 1996.
Time Frame
Minoxidil comes in two different strengths, one containing 2 percent minoxidil and one containing 5 percent minoxidil. The 2 percent minoxidil was released in 1988 and was available by prescription only. Minoxidil was only approved for use by men at this time.
In 1991, 2 percent minoxidil became available for women and as a prescription item until it was changed to an over-the-counter product in 1996.
Rogaine Extra Strength, which contained 5 percent minoxidil, was released in December 1997 as an over-the counter product.
The latest version of minoxidil, which is a foam, was released in 2006.
Function
The great mystery of minoxidil is exactly how it works. Even McNeil Consumer Healthcare, the company which owns the Rogaine trademark, admits the reason for minoxidil's success is uncertain.
McNeil does state that researchers believe minoxidil works to enlarge hair follicles, which allows the growth phase of the hair growth cycle to last longer, which enables fuller, thicker hair to emerge.
Potential
The 2 percent version of minoxidil is the only one that has received FDA approval to treat women, even though the 5 percent version has yielded better results, according to the American Hair Loss Association. Many doctors will write prescriptions for 5 percent minoxidil for women, according to the organization.
Useage
Minoxidil for men or women is applied to the scalp area in the morning and again in the evening. According to McNeil, it is best to apply minoxidil to a dry scalp.
Minoxidil use must be continued or any benefits gained by the product will be lost.
Considerations
A minoxidil treatment will not stop hair loss overnight. It will likely be three to four months before any noticeable improvement is evident.
Side Effects
The most common side effects from minoxidil are redness or irritation of the scalp where minoxidil is applied, irritation of the eyes, and hair growth on other parts of the body. Men using minoxidil foam have been known to see a change in their hair texture or color.
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