Originally Minoxidil was exclusively used as an oral drug to treat high blood pressure. In the 1980s, after discovering the side effect of hair growth and reversing baldness, Upjohn Corporation produced a topical solution that contained 2% minoxidil under the brand name Rogaine in the United States, and Regaine outside the United States.

Minoxidil is the only drug or medication approved by the FDA to treat female pattern baldness. Minoxidil may help hair to grow in 20% to 25% of the female population, and in the majority it may slow or stop the loss of hair.

Minoxidil must be used twice a day to be effective. According to clinical studies by Pharmacia& Upjohn, minoxidil works better on those who are younger and whose hair loss is recent.

Up to now about the only documented methods to combat hair loss have been minoxidil (Rogaine) and propecia. Unfortunately, they have a range of unpleasant side effects, including sexual dysfunction.

Rogaine should not be used in pregnancy. Also should not be used by nursing women.

Possible side effect of minoxidil is an itchy scalp. Another drawback is that it must be used for life or any regrown hair will fall out. Also, only those people losing hair on the crown, not in front, are candidates for regrowth.

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