Hair Growth Effect of Minoxidil

    January 2002 in “ Folia Pharmacologica Japonica ”
    Susumu Otomo
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    TLDR Minoxidil helps hair grow by improving blood flow and increasing growth factors in hair follicles.
    The 2002 document outlines the hair growth effects of minoxidil, a drug initially used for high blood pressure that was found to stimulate hair growth. Minoxidil is thought to work by activating the sulfonylurea receptor (SUR), which leads to increased blood flow, promotion of growth factors like VEGF, and prevention of cell death in hair follicles, thereby extending their growth phase. Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, minoxidil is believed to enhance cell growth factors, inhibit apoptosis, and improve blood flow, which together stimulate hair follicles. Minoxidil was FDA-approved in 1988 and is available in various concentrations, including 1% and 5% topical formulations.
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      community Creatine is the opposite of minoxidil !

      in Research/Science  322 upvotes 3 months ago
      Creatine may counteract minoxidil's hair growth effects by closing potassium ATP channels, potentially leading to hair loss in predisposed individuals. Despite anecdotal reports, there is no conclusive evidence linking creatine to hair loss.

      community Being Safe on Oral Minoxidil: tl;dr on the literature.

      in Research/Science  51 upvotes 1 year ago
      Oral minoxidil is effective for hair loss but can cause cardiovascular side effects, such as pericardial effusion, especially in those with genetic predispositions. Starting with low doses and monitoring cardiovascular health are advised to reduce risks.

      community RU and cetosomal minoxidil topical

      in Minoxidil  1 upvotes 2 days ago
      Mixing RU58841 with cetosomal minoxidil is discussed due to scalp irritation from ethanol PG vehicles. A mixture of the two turned bright pink when left to dry.

      community Chest pain on Oral minoxidil (18M)

      in Minoxidil  38 upvotes 4 days ago
      An 18-year-old experienced chest pain, headaches, and vomiting after taking oral minoxidil for hair loss. They reduced the dosage, felt better, but experienced sharp chest pain again after increasing it, and are advised to stop the medication and see a doctor.

      community Extreme shedding after ~1 year on 5% topical minoxidil — normal or problem?

      in Minoxidil  3 upvotes 1 week ago
      A 17-year-old using 5% topical minoxidil experienced significant hair shedding after a year, possibly due to a "synchronization shed" and deficiencies in vitamin D and iron. Recommendations include continuing minoxidil, optimizing vitamin D and iron levels, and reducing tretinoin use if scalp irritation occurs.

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