Minoxidil, the first FDA-approved medication for hair loss, is the active agent present in products for hair loss such as Rogaine and Avacor. It was first marketed as an anti-hypertension drug. As it is known, hair loss happens because hair follicles don’t get enough nutrients needed to regrow hair. Because it increases the blood supply, it became a popular treatment for hair loss.

Minoxidil comes as an oral and/or a topical solution. Two percent of Minoxidil is a licensed treatment for female pattern baldness while a 5% solution is for male pattern baldness. While Minoxidil is a safe treatment, it appeared to produce side-effects such as scalp and eye irritation or such other allergic reactions. Cardiovascular effects such as palpitations and chest pains are also possible, including death.