Minoxidil
Minoxidil
Minoxidil (/mɪˈnɒksɪdɪl/) is a medication primarily used to help treat hair loss. It is an antihypertensive vasodilator. It is available as a generic medication by prescription in oral tablet form and over the counter as a topical solution.
Etymology
The term "Minoxidil" is derived from its chemical name, 6-(1-Piperidinyl)-2,4-pyrimidinediamine 3-oxide. The name is a combination of parts of the chemical structure of the drug.
Usage
Minoxidil is used to treat androgenetic alopecia (a common form of hair loss), and in some cases, alopecia areata (a condition that causes hair loss in patches). It is applied topically, usually as a lotion or foam, to the scalp. Minoxidil promotes hair growth by prolonging the growth phase of hair follicles and stimulating dormant follicles to produce hair.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Minoxidil include scalp irritation, unwanted hair growth in areas adjacent to the treatment site, and in rare cases, changes in hair color or texture. More serious side effects may include rapid or irregular heartbeat, fainting, chest pain, swelling of hands or feet, and unexplained weight gain.
Related Terms
- Alopecia: A condition that causes hair to fall out in small patches.
- Androgenetic alopecia: A common form of hair loss in both men and women.
- Antihypertensive: A class of drugs that are used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Vasodilator: A medicine or substance that causes blood vessels to dilate, thereby increasing blood flow.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Minoxidil
- Wikipedia's article - Minoxidil
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