Minoxidil:

Minoxidil is a prescription medication that was originally used to treat high blood pressure. Patients taking minoxidil for blood pressure noticed they were developing more hair on their body. In the 90s the medication was formulated as a topical solution. More recently, minoxidil has also been prescribed in a lose dose oral form to provide hair growth benefits without effecting blood pressure.  Minoxidil works by increasing the blood flow and nutrients to the hair follicles, which helps to promote hair growth. It is an effective treatment for androgenic alopecia in both men and women.

Solution/foam:

Minoxidil topical solution and foam is available over-the-counter in 2% and 5% formulations and by prescription in higher strengths. It should be applied once or twice daily. The most common side effects of minoxidil include itching and redness of the scalp. Patients can also develop hypertrichosis or excess unwanted hair (typically on the beard/chin/mustache).

Oral:

Minoxidil is available by prescription in a tablet form. Low dose formulations provide the benefits of hair growth without having significant effects on blood pressure. Rarely patients may experience light headiness and may need to have their dose adjusted. In the first month patients may experience a slight increase in shedding as more hairs re-enter the growth phase. Minoxidil is not associated with erectile dysfunction. Rarely leg swelling can occur. Hypertrichosis can occur and is dose dependent.