What is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil has revolutionised the lives of many men, providing them with an answer to male pattern baldness and an alternative to a hair transplant, but what is it and what are the implications of using it?

Mioxidil was originally a drug taken orally to treat high blood pressure. A common side effect was that it increased hair growth and reversed the effects of male pattern baldness.

Minoxidil is thought to work by dialating blood vessels which increases blood flow to the area.

In the 1980’s, a solution containing 2% minoxidil was released in the UK under the name of Regaine to treat hair loss.

Side Effects

As with all drugs, side effects occur. The most common side effect when using Minoxidil to combat hair loss is that of an itchy scalp.

Other side effects include:

• acne on the area being used
• low blood pressure
• blurred vision

In most cases, the symptoms listed above are as a result of using too much Minoxidil.

Minoxidil is available in the UK as a treatment for hair loss under the name Regaine. For more information about the availability of Regaine, click here.

This entry was posted on Sunday, August 19th, 2007 at 9:38 am and is filed under Articles, Medication. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.