Minoxidil – medical treatment of hairloss

Article provided by Hair Transplant Center
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Created on June 5, 2007

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Dr. Robert Jones

This topical medication was introduced in 1988, and was the first drug used to treat Male Pattern Baldness. It is also a drug used for high blood pressure, and was discovered serendipitously to cause hair growth. Patients taking the medication found that they had excessive hair growth on their body, which led to the production of a topical medication. Rogaine is the most popular Minoxidil-based brand available.

Minoxidil does not grow new hair but causes shrunken hair follicles (those that are almost dead) to grow into terminal follicles. There have been a number of clinical trials on Minoxidil, all of which have shown it to work (grow more hair) compared to a placebo. It has also been shown that the 5% Minoxidil solution grows more hair than the 2%. These results have inspired me to develop a new 6% solution in my new hair loss formula.

This drug is safe and effective for men and women. Side effects are minimal, but include scalp irritation, and rarely, when the drug enters the bloodstream, slightly lower blood pressure, headaches and dizziness. Also, the patient may experience hair growth in areas other than his head. All of these side effects are reversible if the drug is discontinued.