245 In the index

Minoxidil MINO

An FDA-approved medication, originally a blood pressure pill, now mostly known as a topical hair-loss treatment (Rogaine), with low-dose pills also gaining off-label use for hair growth. Both uses are strongly supported by research, with unwanted body hair growth as the main downside topically and fluid retention or heart-rate changes as risks when taken as a pill.

Also known as Rogaine, Loniten, Minoximen, Theroxidil, Alopexil, Alostil, Regaine

Effects Skin and hair

Routes Oral Topical

Legal status Prescription drug

WADA Not listed

3D Molecular Structure of C₉H₁₅N₅O

Drag to rotate · scroll to zoom

Chemistry

Formula: C9H15N5O
Molar mass: 209.25
CAS: 38304-91-5
PubChem CID: 4201
IUPAC name: 3-hydroxy-2-imino-6-piperidin-1-ylpyrimidin-4-amine
InChIKey: ZIMGGGWCDYVHOY-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Reported dosing

Approved label

What has been reported in the literature and by users. This is a record of what is done, not a recommendation.

Typical dose 2.5-10 mg/day (oral, off-label hair loss) or 5% solution/foam twice daily (topical)

Reported range 1.25-5 mg/day (oral, low-dose off-label); 2-5% topical concentration

Route Oral or topical

Frequency Once daily (oral, off-label) or twice daily (topical)

Duration Ongoing (chronic use required to maintain benefit)

FDA-approved as an oral antihypertensive (Loniten) and as a topical hair-loss treatment (Rogaine); low-dose oral use specifically for hair loss is an off-label, physician-directed practice that has grown in popularity.

Where this comes from FDA prescribing information; off-label clinical use patterns

These figures are recorded for reference and are not a recommendation. Dosing is a decision for you and a clinician.