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Rogaine (Minoxidil) (also known as Loniten when taken internally)

Original Purpose or Use:

Vasodilator -- originally intended for treating high blood pressure.

FDA Approved?

Yes, in 2% and 5% concentrations.

Scientific Results:

Proven to regrow hair in the vertex and crown areas of the scalp. Results are minimal to moderate.

Observed Results:

Minimal regrowth with the 2% solution. Minimal to moderate growth with the 5% solution. Editor has had regrowth in the hairline and temple areas, along with the crown.

Notes:

Minoxidil is one of only two FDA approved drugs for combating hairloss. It is still not known exactly how it works. One theory is that it increases the term that hair stays in anagen phase (through various interactions), and as a result hair quality is increased.

Side Effects:

Minoxidil when used topically as instructed has very minimal side-effects for very few patients. They inlcude scalp irritation and flaking and in very rare cases lowered blood pressure and heart palpitations.
However, Loniten, the ingested form of the drug, can drastically lower blood pressure. The liquid minoxidil for topical application must not be ingested as overdose can occur.

Editor's Rating:

5/5

Gender:

Both

Approximate Price:

2% ~$12 (US) for 60ml bottle
5% ~$22 (US) for 60ml bottle

How to get it:

You can purchase Rogaine and generic versions of Minoxidil without a prescription in the USA from any drugrstore and many supermarkets. In Canada you need a prescription for the 5% solution.

Related Abstracts and Articles:

1. Androgenetic alopecia in the female. Treatment with 2% topical minoxidil solution.
   

2. An open, randomized, comparative study of oral finasteride and 5% topical minoxidil in male androgenetic alopecia
   

3. A randomized clinical trial of 5% topical minoxidil versus 2% topical minoxidil and placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men.
   

4. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 5% and 2% topical minoxidil solutions in the treatment of female pattern hair loss.
   

5. Changes in hair weight and hair count in men with androgenetic alopecia, after application of 5% and 2% topical minoxidil, placebo, or no treatment.
   

6. Effects of minoxidil 2% vs. cyproterone acetate treatment on female androgenetic alopecia: a controlled, 12-month randomized trial.
   

7. Enhanced in vitro hair growth at the air-liquid interface: minoxidil preserves the root sheath in cultured whisker follicles.
   

8. Hair growth effect of minoxidil
   

9. Male pattern baldness.
   

10. Minoxidil and male-pattern alopecia: a potential role for a local regulator of sebum secretion with vasoconstrictive effects?
    

11. Minoxidil stimulates mouse vibrissae follicles in organ culture.
    

12. Minoxidil sulfate is the active metabolite that stimulates hair follicles.
    

13. Potassium channel conductance: a mechanism affecting hair growth both in vitro and in vivo.
    

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