Rogaine is the trade name under which the drug minoxidil is sold. Rogaine is known under many different names depending on the market that you are in. The drug may also be known as Regraine, Avacor, Loniten, and Mintop. It is a medication that is used to slow or even stop the loss of hair and promote new hair growth. Rogaine is classified as a antihypertensive vasodilator. The medication is used to treat androgenic alopecia as well as a wide range of other baldness treatments.
Rogaine has been on the market for many years and today is available over the counter It was first used as an oral medication that was formulated to treat high blood pressure. During its use to treat high blood pressure it was found to increase the growth of body hair. Later the medication was used to treat baldness and hair loss and it was successful. There are two different strengths of the medication today with a 5% concentration for men and a 2% concentration for women. There is both a liquid and foam based formulation of the medication with one being just as effective as the other. Most people who use the medication will see hair growth or at least they will stop losing hair. The downside is that when one stops applying Rogaine the new hair growth will be lost.
Like all medications, Rogaine is not without side effects. Some of the most common side effects are redness and irritation of the scalp, unwanted body hair growth, drying of the scalp, and dandruff. Other side effects that are less common include rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness, focal necrosis, and allergic reactions. Oddly, hair loss may even be a side effect for a very small portion of the population so one must closely monitor their hair growth. When Rogaine is discontinued all of these side effects will cease, as will any new hair growth or the cessation of hair loss.