{"id":33918,"date":"2022-12-15T13:44:08","date_gmt":"2022-12-15T06:44:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/?p=33918"},"modified":"2022-12-18T13:44:57","modified_gmt":"2022-12-18T06:44:57","slug":"what-is-minoxidil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/hair-growth\/what-is-minoxidil\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Minoxidil and How Does It Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Highlights\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved topical hair loss solution.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Doctors still don\u2019t understand exactly how minoxidil stimulates hair regrowth.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Minoxidil can be very effective, but it only works in 40% of users.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>We now have a test that can tell hair loss sufferers whether they will respond to minoxidil.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>People who don\u2019t respond to minoxidil may benefit from alternative hair loss medications like Propecia and its generic, finasteride.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>For the best hair regrowth results, use FDA-approved medications only.\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is minoxidil? Minoxidil is a hair loss drug that works for female and male pattern hair loss. It is FDA approved and may be your best bet if you\u2019re looking for a topical solution to stop the thinning of your mane. Interestingly, we still don\u2019t understand how and why minoxidil achieves its hair-growing effects.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>What is Minoxidil?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minoxidil, also called <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2,4-Diamino-6-piperidinopyrimidine 3-oxide, is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology\/potassium-channel-opener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">potassium channel opener<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It causes blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow to the hair follicles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since more blood can deliver more nutrients to the follicles, this may be its mechanism of action. Doctors suspect, however, that other biochemical processes may cause minoxidil\u2019s hair-growing effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s what we know about minoxidil\u2019s effects on the body and hair.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>It is a<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/drug-class\/vasodilators.html\"><b>vasodilator<\/b><\/a><b>.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Doctors also use it for the treatment of high blood pressure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>It works for both men and women<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Minoxidil may not act on the hormonal level as it works equally well in men and women.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>It only <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginfo\/meds\/a689003.html\"><b>treats the crown area<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The drug cannot restore a receding hairline.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Minoxidil is old. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Invented in the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.eurekaselect.com\/article\/41603\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1950s<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, minoxidil failed as an ulcer drug but proved to positively impact blood pressure and hair growth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>It works best against recent hair loss. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best responders to topical minoxidil are people under 40 with recent hair loss.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because it was originally a blood pressure medication, minoxidil used to only be available as an oral drug. Now, it\u2019s the only FDA-approved topical treatment for hair loss. It\u2019s sold under the brand names Rogaine, Keeps, Loniten, Regaine, and others.<\/span><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<h3>How Does Minoxidil Work?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike other FDA-approved drugs like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/finasteride\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">finasteride<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, minoxidil does not affect the hormones. It is not a DHT blocker. Its ability to dilate the blood vessels may be its only mechanism of action, but researchers aren\u2019t sure yet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Based on our current understanding, here\u2019s how doctors think minoxidil may work to promote hair growth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By opening the potassium channels and widening the blood vessels, minoxidil helps the body deliver more oxygen, nutrients, and blood to miniaturized hair follicles. By doing so, it prompts the hairs in the telogen phase of growth to shed. That would explain the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK482378\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">initial shedding<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> many users report. The follicle replaces the dropped hairs with new, thicker strands in the anagen phase.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some users, minoxidil may cause <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4606321\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">telogen effluvium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a condition that can cause severe shedding in a short amount of time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The anagen phase of growth is the active growth phase, during which hair is less likely to shed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to its vasodilating effects, minoxidil may promote hair growth through other means.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Anti-inflammatory effect<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Minoxidil inhibits a compound that promotes inflammation. Inflammation inhibits hair growth. Thus, minoxidil removes a hurdle from the path of healthy hair growth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Wnt signaling. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minoxidil may stimulate the Wnt\/beta-catenin signaling pathway, promoting hair growth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Androgen inhibition.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Despite what doctors currently believe, minoxidil may interfere with the action of 5-alpha reductase, a compound responsible for the formation of DHT.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Prostaglandin E2 stimulation.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Minoxidil <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6491442\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stimulates prostaglandin E2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which stimulates hair growth.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once users discontinue their minoxidil treatments, hair loss returns. After they stop using the drug, patients can expect to lose all of their recently regained hair within a few months.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Minoxidil\u2019s Effectiveness<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does minoxidil work? Minoxidil is a complicated drug, and it\u2019s not particularly effective. It triggers hair growth in around <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1111\/dth.12164\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">40%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of users. The remaining 60% of users are non-responders.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To discover whether you are a lucky responder or not, you must complete a months-long treatment and assume all the side effects that occur. Fortunately, we now have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/hair-loss\/will-minoxidil-regrow-your-hair\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">minoxidil tests<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that can tell you whether the treatment is likely to work for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doctors use colorimetric assays to measure the presence and quantity of a compound in your follicles. Only people with plenty of this compound in their scalps respond to minoxidil treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_33921\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-33921\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/2.jpeg-30_11zon.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-33921\" title=\"Young man\" src=\"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/2.jpeg-30_11zon.jpg\" alt=\"Young man\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/2.jpeg-30_11zon.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/2.jpeg-30_11zon-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-33921\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Is minoxidil your ticket to great hair?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>How To Use Minoxidil<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For alopecia, doctors recommend topical minoxidil. This type of minoxidil comes as foam or liquid you slather on your scalp twice a day. Stick to your doctor\u2019s recommendations regarding the quantity you use. Using more minoxidil than recommended won\u2019t accelerate hair regrowth or regrow more hair.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though oral minoxidil is generally used to treat high blood pressure, in small doses, it may be a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2022\/08\/18\/health\/minoxidil-hair-loss-pills.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more efficient<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> hair-loss drug than the topical version. However, oral minoxidil can cause more severe side effects than topical variants. To mitigate these effects, doctors may prescribe it with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/drug-class\/loop-diuretics.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loop diuretics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/drug-class\/beta-adrenergic-blocking-agents.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">beta blockers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you take oral minoxidil for hair loss, never exceed the prescribed dosage. Higher doses may lead to sodium or potassium retention and may cause an abnormally high resting heart rate.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Minoxidil Contraindications<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is minoxidil safe? Most people tolerate minoxidil well, but there are some exceptions. Do not use minoxidil if you suffer from any of these conditions:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic congestive heart failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulmonary hypertension<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney disease\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnant women should avoid minoxidil as well. The compound damages animal embryos, though there are no human studies to date.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Those allergic to the compound should never use it in oral or topical form. If you notice allergic symptoms after taking minoxidil, seek medical attention immediately.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Minoxidil\u2019s Side Effects<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Users tolerate topical minoxidil better than the oral version, but even the topical solution can cause side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the common side effects of topical minoxidil are:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irritation of the scalp<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Redness of the skin in the treated area<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Itching, including of the eye<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased hair growth elsewhere on the body<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changes in hair texture<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry skin\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minoxidil may even amplify hair loss in some users instead of fighting it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More severe \u2014 but less common \u2014 side effects of the drug include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headaches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lightheadedness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fainting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling of the face<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapid weight gain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heartbeat irregularities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low blood pressure\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some rare side effects of topical minoxidil are:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased facial hair growth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acne at the site of the treatment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Painful and inflamed hair roots\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All of minoxidil\u2019s side effects are rare. It is an FDA-approved hair loss drug, which means that it has undergone extensive testing and safety assessments. Sticking to FDA-approved medication is your best bet when dealing with hair loss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Minoxidil Alternatives<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minoxidil is one of several medications that are approved by the FDA to treat hair loss. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/propecia\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Propecia <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and its generic <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/hair-loss-offer\/?gclid=CjwKCAjwzt6LBhBeEiwAbPGOgffShOfNzTFyNMJijvtfEnFpKuANGY-2OvZcgTbVdpLNTfF3Gqp1DBoC410QAvD_BwE\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">finasteride<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are proven to be highly effective for hair regrowth. These medications are safe choices for both men and women and even work for those who are minoxidil non-responders.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minoxidil and topical finasteride <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4314881\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can also be used together<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> following effective treatment with oral finasteride, for those who want to discontinue the oral medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take advantage of our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/erectile-dysfunction\/how-do-online-ed-consultations-work\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">free consultation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to find out if one of these hair-loss solutions is right for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>eDrugstore Can Help<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/3.jpeg-27_11zon.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33922\" title=\"Doctor typing on a laptop\" src=\"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/3.jpeg-27_11zon.jpg\" alt=\"Doctor typing on a laptop\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/3.jpeg-27_11zon.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/3.jpeg-27_11zon-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">eDrugstore is committing to providing you with well-researched, up-to-the-minute information supported by science. Follow our blog to stay up to date on men\u2019s health issues. If you\u2019re suffering from hair loss, learn more about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/propecia\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Propecia <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/hair-loss-offer\/?gclid=CjwKCAjwzt6LBhBeEiwAbPGOgffShOfNzTFyNMJijvtfEnFpKuANGY-2OvZcgTbVdpLNTfF3Gqp1DBoC410QAvD_BwE\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">finasteride<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and place your order today. When you shop with eDrugstore, we\u2019ll respect your privacy, and virtual health visits and shipping are always free.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Highlights\u00a0 Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved topical hair loss solution. Doctors still don\u2019t understand exactly how minoxidil stimulates hair regrowth. Minoxidil can be very effective, but it only works in 40% of users. We now have a test that can tell hair loss sufferers whether they will respond to minoxidil. People who don\u2019t respond to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":33923,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_autoblog_aioseo_focus_keyphrase":"","_autoblog_aioseo_title":"","_autoblog_aioseo_description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-33918","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hair-growth"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO Pro 4.9.10 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What is minoxidil? It\u2019s the only FDA-approved topical hair loss treatment that works. 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