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In 1988, Pharmacia & Upjohn Company introduced the first FDA-approved
product proven to regrow hair. Since 1996, in light of their excellent
safety profile, Rogaine Regular Strength for Men and Rogaine for Women
have been sold as over-the-counter (non prescription) drugs. Rogaine extra
strength is now sold over the counter as well. It is a clear solution
you apply to the top of your scalp where hair is thinning.
What is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a topically applied liquid usually found in pre-mixed
solutions like Rogaine, but you can very easily obtain the active ingredients
in generic versions of this product. There is a 2% and a 5% formulation
that have been approved by the FDA, however other custom solutions are
also available by proprietary companies. Minoxidil in its 2% form has
been approved for use in both Men and Women, however the 5% is typically
only for use in men. Women sometimes use the 5% when the 2% form does
not work for them, but there may be side effects at 5%.
Minoxidil is an ingredient which works to stimulate hair follicles into
growth. It is safe to say that the 5% version is the strongest FDA approved
regrowth product available over the counter, while the 2% is something
you may wish to start with if you're just starting to lose your hair.
Minoxidil is an over the counter treatment, and does not require a prescription
in 2% and 5% solutions
Who is this
Treatment for?
Minoxidil can be used by both men and women.
What is it
used for?
Minoxidil is primarily used to stimulate hair growth. It does not
work to stop the causes of hair loss - only to override them.
Minoxidil's
Method of Action
Minoxidil is in the class of treatments called "Potassium
Channel Openers". Its true method of action for is not completely
understood, however it has been clinically proven that drugs which open
Potassium Channels seem to stimulate hair growth.
What's in
it?
Rogaine for men and Rogaine for women both contain the active ingredient
Minoxidil, in a solution of 80% alcohol (ethanol), Propylene Glycol (PPG),
and water. Custom and generic solutions may have varied quantities of
these ingredients.
Minoxidil
Side effects
Side effects can be minimized by keeping dosage
to the recommended 1ml two times daily. The most common side effects are
limited to itching, inflammation and redness at the site of application.
These are typically uncommon and can be countered with skin soothing products
like Emu Oil, Folligen Lotion, Aloe Vera, Tricomin, or Prox-N. Please
see our Product Reviews home page for more
information on these treatments. Another school of thought is to identify
why you're having the irritation. You can try other versions that don't
contain PPG, since this is what causes most cases of irritation. You can
use a version with glycerine instead, which is made available by prescription
from Minoxidil.com.
Over-absorption of Minoxidil into the system can result in vision changes,
chest pain, and fast or irregular heartbeat. Women who opt for the 5%
version may experience additional unwanted facial hair growth.
How to apply
Minoxidil
Prior to applying, make sure the scalp is completely dry. Apply the amount
prescribed to the area of the scalp you are treating. It is recommended
that you not shower or shampoo for at least 2-4 hours after applying.
It is imperative that you do NOT use a hair dryer after applying Minoxidil.
Hints and
Tips
Pros: Following are some pros of opting for Minoxidil:
It is available without prescription.
It is applied topically and consequently, systemic side effects
are basically nonexistent.
It is safe for use in both men and women, unlike Propecia
