Rogaine:- Topical Treatment for Hair Loss

The most popular over-the-counter hair restoration drug today is Rogaine®, a brand of topical monoxidil solution by Pfizer Corporation, approved for over the counter sale in 1997 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Rogaine® is used as a topical drug to treat pattern baldness. The solution is applied to the scalp daily to stimulate hair growth and help prevent hair loss.

Monoxidil was originally used as a blood pressure medication, and then doctors found that it produced the side effect of increased scalp hair growth. Today monoxidil remains the only FDA approved pharmaceutical topical solution proven to grow hair. It is available over-the-counter (OTC) in the U.S. in a 2% Minoxidil solution and also 5% Minoxidil solution (Rogaine Extra Strength).

Clinical studies of the effectiveness of topical Minoxidil have shown both a slowing of hair loss and some regrowth of hair in some (but not all) patients.

In the preliminary studies held in 1985, 55% of men tested were able to re-grow hair with extra strength Rogaine® (5% topical monoxidil treatment), although the best results came from those who had been balding for less than 10 years and were bald in a section of four inches across or less. Another test study compared the results of regular strength Rogaine® (2% topical monoxidil solution) with the extra strength version, and found that subjects grew 45% more hair with the extra strength Rogaine® than with the regular strength Rogaine®, and users of both solutions outgrew the users of the placebo. Only 6% of those tested experienced any type of irritation.

Rogaine® works by blocking the production of DHT. Of course there are generic brands of topical monoxidil solution also on the market.

Rogaine® was originally made only for men's use, and then a women's version of the drug was produced. Similar results were achieved with the women's version.
These studies also show that these measurable changes disappear fairly rapidly (within one to two years) after stopping treatment.

With both men's and women's versions, users must take note that continuous use of the drug is necessary to maintain the newly grown hair, as it is a usual reaction for newly growing hair to stop growing and fall out when one ceases to use the drug. As with any drug, follow all directions and cease to use if irritation or discomfort persists.