Minoxidil: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Minoxidil is a topical hair regrowth medicine used to help regrow hair on the top of the scalp in men; its pharmacological class is not specified in the product listing. The solution described here is intended for vertex hair loss rather than a receding hairline, and a pharmacist can advise on choosing a suitable product and understanding its precautions.

Minoxidil acts on hair follicles, the small structures in the skin from which hairs grow. Its hair regrowth effect is thought to involve encouraging follicles to remain in the active growth phase for longer and helping resting follicles return to growth. The precise mechanism is not fully understood.

Minoxidil also has blood vessel-widening activity, although that alone does not fully explain its effect on hair. These effects develop gradually rather than producing immediate visible regrowth.

The labelled use is to regrow hair on the top of the scalp, also called the vertex, in men. This product is not intended for frontal baldness or a receding hairline. The label excludes sudden or patchy hair loss, hair loss with no known cause, and hair loss where there is no family history.

Hair regrowth varies between individuals, and the product does not work for all men. Continued use is necessary to increase and maintain regrowth; hair loss begins again when use stops. The label also notes that some people experience changes in hair colour or texture.

The label lists topical solution strengths including 20 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL, and topical foam strengths including 50 mg/g. The label lists one mL of the solution with a dropper directly onto the scalp in the hair loss area 2 times a day. Using more or using it more often does not improve results.

Continued use is necessary to increase and maintain hair regrowth, and hair loss begins again when use stops. The directions described here concern the topical solution for men, not the other listed formulations.

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) and keep tightly closed. Keep away from fire or flame and out of reach of children. Retain the carton because it contains important information.

A missed application should not be made up by using extra solution or applying it more often. Resume the normal labelled schedule rather than doubling an application.

Regular, continued use is needed to maintain hair regrowth, but using more does not improve results. A pharmacist can clarify the schedule if an application has been missed.

The label states that this product may be harmful if used during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It is labelled for use by men only and says women should not use it. Discuss pregnancy or breast-feeding concerns with a doctor or pharmacist.