A study on the efficacy of 2% and 5% topical minoxidil solution on Adrenergic Alopecia

Abstract

Minoxidil, mostly used as a vasodilator was first introduced as an oral drug used to treat high blood pressure. Then gradually minoxidil showed hair darkening of fine body hair as a side effect. This specific side effect led to the development of topical minoxidil. Topical minoxidil is mainly produced as a 2% solution to treat female adrenergic alopecia and a 5% solution for male adrenergic alopecia. But the changes disappeared after stopping its use for a month. Minoxidil is mainly potassium channel opener so it assumes that it causes hyperpolarization and again it's a vasodilator. The mechanism it mainly widening blood vessels and opening potassium channels so it allows more oxygen and nutrients to the hair which causes regrowth of hair. This article will show a complete review of the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and mechanism of action, side effects, and clinical efficacy of topical minoxidil.