Minoxidil Uses

Minoxidil was originally developed to treat high blood pressure. However, it was discovered that topically applied minoxidil can trigger hair growth in people with androgenetic alopecia. This condition is also called male pattern hair loss in men and is associated with a gradual thinning of hair and balding at the top of the head with a receding hairline. In females, it is called female pattern hair loss and causes a gradual thinning of hair all over the head, usually while maintaining a normal hairline. These are common hereditary patterns of hair thinning that become gradually noticeable after many years of hair loss. 

Note that minoxidil solution does not have an effect on a receding hairline. This medicine works best in people under the age of 40 with recent hair loss. It only works while you continue using it. All new hair growth is lost within a few months of stopping minoxidil use. 

In addition to topical minoxidil solution, low-dose oral minoxidil is also sometimes used for the treatment of hair loss.

There may be other uses of minoxidil—your doctor or pharmacist can give you further drug information.

Minoxidil Mechanism of Action

Minoxidil widens blood vessels and increases blood flow to the dermal papilla cells to enable hair follicles to grow. The exact mechanism is unclear, but experts believe the pharmacological properties of minoxidil prolong the anagen phase (growth phase) of hair follicles.

Minoxidil Doses

Minoxidil comes in the form of a 2% and 5% topical solution and a 5% aerosol foam. Different minoxidil topical products have different instructions for application. Read the information leaflet carefully and follow the directions. Applying minoxidil in larger amounts or applying it more frequently will not make hair grow faster or thicker.

The recommended dosage of topical minoxidil is as follows for application to the affected area:

• Minoxidil topical foam: Apply half a capful twice a day.
• Topical minoxidil solution 2%: Apply 1 mL twice a day.
• Topical minoxidil solution 5%: Apply 1 mL twice a day.