Vasodilator used on the scalp and, at low doses, as a tablet
- What are the side effects of minoxidil, and can oral minoxidil affect your heart? Minoxidil tablets are a blood-pressure drug whose US label carries a boxed warning for fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion, sometimes tamponade) and worsening angina; use for hair loss is off-label, and studies of low doses describe mostly mild effects but rare serious heart events. Do not start or change minoxidil without a doctor, and if chest pain, a racing heartbeat, breathlessness, fainting, swelling or rapid weight gain develop, stop and seek medical care.
- From hypertension to hair: the unexpected story of minoxidil Minoxidil was developed as an oral blood-pressure drug and approved as Loniten in 1979; unwanted hair growth in patients led to topical Rogaine, approved for men in 1988 and for women in 1991. Trials support topical minoxidil for pattern hair loss, while low-dose oral minoxidil is a prescription drug used off-label and needs medical supervision.
Technique that makes tiny punctures in the scalp with fine needles
Red-light devices, such as caps, combs and helmets, used on the scalp
Concentrate of your own blood platelets, injected into the scalp