Hair Loss Medications
Topical Minoxidil | Koher Medical in Harrisburg, PA
Minoxidil is a medication that was initially developed as a blood pressure treatment. During clinical trials for high blood pressure, researchers noticed that patients treated with minoxidil experienced an unexpected side effect: hair growth. This led to the development of minoxidil as a treatment for hair loss, and in 1988, it was the first medication to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also known as male or female pattern hair loss.
Usage
Minoxidil is typically applied to the scalp twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, ideally 12 hours apart. It is important to use the medication consistently, as missing doses or applying the medication infrequently can reduce its effectiveness. It's recommended to use minoxidil on a regular basis for at least four months before expecting to see any results. The medication needs to be used consistently and continuously to maintain the results. If you stop using the medication, the hair loss will likely return.
Effectiveness
Minoxidil is considered an effective treatment for both male and female pattern hair loss, with many studies outlining its ability to enhance the overall quality of hair. Improvements can be seen in hair density, hair thickness, and hair count. As the first FDA approved medication for the treatment of hair loss, it has a long history of use in hair restoration. See the study results found in the Journal of the Academy of Dermatology https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(03)03692-2/fulltext