Minoxidil is an oral medication that was originally prescribed as a treatment for high blood pressure and continues to be used for this reason today. Over time, however, the medicine has produced a curious side effect: Minoxidil triggers a thickening and darkening of hair, particularly fine hair, in some patients. Since this discovery, Minoxidil has been repurposed as a treatment for pattern baldness and packaged as a topical preparation.
Manufacturer
Minoxidil was originally developed by pharmaceutical giant Upjohn Corp. The original patent for minoxidil as a treatment for baldness expired in 1996. Since that time, many companies have developed minoxidil-based products, focused on promoting hair growth.
Types
Loniten is the common brand name for oral minoxidil, which is prescribed primarily for treatment of high blood pressure. Oral minoxidil acts as a vasodilator, relaxing blood vessels within the body. This action allows blood to flow more freely, thereby reducing blood pressure. Oral minoxidil is frequently given in conjunction with diuretic medications.
Topical minoxidil is also known as Rogaine and is applied externally to the scalp as a foam or solution as a treatment to stimulate hair growth. The mechanism for this reaction within the body is not understood. Topical minoxidil is not approved for treating any other area of the body and should be used only on the scalp.
Treatment
Those taking minoxidil for high blood pressure should take the amount prescribed by a doctor exactly as directed. The medication should be taken even if a person feels well and he should not stop taking minoxidil without first speaking with a doctor.
For treating thinning hair, the hair and scalp should be washed and thoroughly dried. A person should apply the recommended amount, usually 1 mL two times a day, starting in the center of the affected area and working in a circular motion out to the edge. Hair should not be shampooed or a hair dryer used for a minimum of four hours after applying the medication, as this may diminish the medication's effectiveness. Hands should be washed to remove any medication immediately after using topical minoxidil.
Side Effects
Oral minoxidil may cause dizziness, rashes, headaches, nausea and vomiting, breast tenderness and an increase in size or darkness of fine body hair. Topical minoxidil may cause dryness, scaling, burning or itching of the scalp. A doctor should be notified if the symptoms from either form do not go away quickly.
More serious side effects may include difficulty breathing, chest pain, lightheadedness, fainting, a rapid heartbeat, swelling of the face, ankles, hands or stomach or unexpected weight gain. If a person exhibits any of these symptoms, a doctor should be alerted immediately.
Considerations
Oral minoxidil should not be used as a treatment for male pattern baldness. Topical use of minoxidil as a treatment to regrow hair usually requires several months to take effect. As long as the medication regimen is continued, hair will continue to regrow. Once treatment has been stopped, however, hair loss will begin to reoccur within a few months. If no hair growth occurs after four months of continuous treatment, topical minoxidil will not be effective and should be discontinued.
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