Minoxidil is used for the treatment of high blood pressure and pattern hair loss.
It is effective in helping promote hair growth in people with androgenic alopecia regardless of sex. Minoxidil must be used indefinitely for continued support of existing hair follicles and the maintenance of any experienced hair regrowth.
It is also an antihypertensive vasodilator. Minoxidil, when used for hypertension, is generally reserved for use in severe hypertension patients who can not respond to at least two agents and a diuretic. Minoxidil is also generally administered with a loop diuretic to prevent the sodium and potassium retention. It may also cause a reflex tachycardia and thus is prescribed with a beta-blocker.
