Minoxidil is an antihypertensive vasodilator medication. It also slows or stops hair loss and promotes hair regrowth in some patients. Now off-patent, it is available over-the-counter for the treatment of androgenic alopecia.

Minoxidil is widely used for the treatment of hair loss. It has been proven clinically effective in both the prevention of loss and in establishing varying degrees of hair re-growth in males and females suffering pattern baldness, with about 40% of men experiencing hair regrowth after 3-6 months. Minoxidil must be used indefinitely for continued support of existing hair follicles and the maintenance of any experienced hair regrowth