Hair Loss Toronto

In 1988, Pharmacia & Upjohn Company introduced the first FDA-approved product proven to regrow hair. Since 1996, in light of their excellent safety profile, Rogaine Regular Strength for Men and Rogaine for Women have been sold as over-the-counter (non prescription) drugs. Rogaine extra strength is now sold over the counter as well. It is a clear solution you apply to the top of your scalp where hair is thinning.

What is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is a topically applied liquid usually found in pre-mixed solutions like Rogaine, but you can very easily obtain the active ingredients in generic versions of this product. There is a 2% and a 5% formulation that have been approved by the FDA, however other custom solutions are also available by proprietary companies. Minoxidil in its 2% form has been approved for use in both Men and Women, however the 5% is typically only for use in men. Women sometimes use the 5% when the 2% form does not work for them, but there may be side effects at 5%.

Who is this Treatment for?

Minoxidil can be used by both men and women.

What is it used for?

Minoxidil is primarily used to stimulate hair growth. It is not the same as a DHT inhibitor like Propecia, and does not work to stop the causes of hair loss - only to override them.

Minoxidil’s Method of Action

Minoxidil is in the class of treatments called “Potassium Channel Openers”. Its true method of action for is not completely understood, however it has been clinically proven that drugs which open Potassium Channels seem to stimulate hair growth.

What’s in it?

Rogaine for men and Rogaine for women both contain the active ingredient Minoxidil, in a solution of 80% alcohol (ethanol), Propylene Glycol (PPG), and water. Custom and generic solutions may have varied quantities of these ingredients.

Minoxidil Side effects

Side effects can be minimized by keeping dosage to the recommended 1ml two times daily. The most common side effects are limited to itching, inflammation and redness at the site of application. These are typically uncommon and can be countered with skin soothing products like Emu Oil, Folligen Lotion, Aloe Vera, Tricomin, or Prox-N. Please see our Product Reviews home page for more information on these treatments. Another school of thought is to identify why you’re having the irritation. You can try other versions that don’t contain PPG, since this is what causes most cases of irritation. You can use a version with glycerine instead, which is made available by prescription from Minoxidil.com.

How to apply Minoxidil

Prior to applying, make sure the scalp is completely dry. Apply the amount prescribed to the area of the scalp you are treating. It is recommended that you not shower or shampoo for at least 2-4 hours after applying.

Hints and Tips

Pros: Minoxidil and Propecia are the only two products on earth that have been FDA approved for treating hair loss. Deciding whether or not to use Minoxidil, Propecia, or both is a simple decision. Following are some pros of opting for Minoxidil:

• It is available without prescription.
• It is applied topically and consequently, systemic side effects are basically nonexistent.
• It is safe for use in both men and women, unlike Propecia