Minoxidil

Uses

Minoxidil is used in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), hair loss, and heart failure. It is most effective in treating hereditary hair loss or thinning at the crown of the scalp, rather than at the front. Rarely, it may be used to treat high blood pressure.

How it Works

How Minoxidil works Minoxidil is a potassium channel opener. Its vasodilation action expands blood vessels to promote blood flow, thereby decreasing blood pressure and treating high blood pressure (hypertension). The topical application of Minoxidil on the scalp increases blood flow through the vasodilation process. This enhanced blood flow provides more nutrition and oxygen to the hair follicles, which prevents hair cell death and promotes new hair growth. This is how it works to treat hair loss (alopecia).

Side Effects

Common side effects of Minoxidil include itching, chest pain, headache, hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth), rash, dermatitis, hypersensitivity, weight gain, fluid retention, and tachycardia.

Expert Advice

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