Minoxidil
| Minoxidil | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Formula | C9H15N5O |
| Class | |
| Administration | Topical (solution/foam), oral (off-label, low dose) |
| Solubility | |
| Legal status | OTC (topical), prescription (oral) |
| Brand names | Rogaine, Regaine |
| Bioavailability | <2% (topical); ~90% (oral) |
| Recommended dose | |
| Upper limit | |
| LD50 | |
| Ray's verdict | No direct comment found; mechanism (vasodilation, potassium-channel opening) doesn't address the hormonal/metabolic causes he emphasized for hair loss |
Minoxidil is a potassium-channel opener and vasodilator, originally an oral antihypertensive, now used topically (and increasingly at low oral doses) for hair loss. It prolongs the growth (anagen) phase of hair follicles, apparently by improving local blood flow and follicle oxygenation rather than by any hormonal action.
Context
[edit]No direct commentary from Ray Peat on minoxidil was found. Its mechanism is distinct from finasteride's hormonal approach: minoxidil works locally, without altering DHT or other androgens, which is consistent with observations (discussed on the Finasteride page) that pattern baldness doesn't map cleanly onto androgen levels alone. It treats a downstream symptom (poor follicle blood flow) rather than whatever upstream hormonal or metabolic state is driving that in the first place.
Side effects
[edit]Topical use commonly causes scalp irritation and unwanted facial/body hair growth from systemic absorption. Oral use, even at low doses, can cause fluid retention, rapid heart rate, and lightheadedness from its blood-pressure-lowering action, and requires medical supervision.