10 Things You Probably Did Not Know About Rogaine

Hair loss effects 30 to 40 percent of the population. Therefore, it is not surprising that products promising to treat or cure hair loss are extremely popular. Rogaine (with active ingredient minoxidil) is one of the names that stands out in the battle for commercial hair loss treatment. But before you invest your hard earned dollars on a box, find out 10 things you need to know about Rogaine.

10 Things You Probably Did Not Know About Rogaine

1. The active ingredient of Rogaine, minoxidil, was initially designed to treat high blood pressure by relaxing the smooth muscles in the blood vessels, causing it to dilate. A “beneficial” side-effect of minoxidil is hair growth or reversing baldness (by about 90 days into use). Furthermore, minoxidil is the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Adminstration (U.S) to treat hair loss in both men and women. Finasteride has only been approved to treat male pattern hair loss. However, neither is a cure for hair loss. Similar to products like hair thickeners, once an individual stops using the drugs, the effect will also end.
   
   
2. Several users reported allergies to minoxidil or the non-active ingredient, propylene glycol. Propylene glycol ensures that minoxidil is evenly spread across the scalp and can be readily absorbed by the skin.
   
   
3. True to the popular saying, “everything in moderation,” using too much of Rogaine may cause hypotension because the active ingredient in Rogaine acts as a vasodilator.
   
   
4. Using Rogaine in conjunction with petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or tretinoin may increase your likelihood of hypotension as these products may increase the absorptions of minoxidil by the scalp.
   
   
5. Applying Rogaine on damaged skin (e.g., sunburned skin) will increase the absorption of minoxidil and may lead to hypotension.
   
   
6. Users of Rogaine may experience acne on regions of application.
   
   
7. Signs and symptoms such as heachache, light headedness, a drop in blood pressure, irregular heart beat, blurred vision and chest pain may indicate that too much of the drug is absorbing.
   
   
8. The Food and Drug Administration requires that Rogaine for men contain no more than 5% minoxidil and no more than 3% for women.
   
   
9. Rogaine is marketed under “Regaine” outside of the United States.
   
   
10. The active ingredient in Rogaine can be transmitted to babies via breast milk. This can also be said with any product containing minoxidil (Rogaine, Provillus, etc).

If you are experiencing hair loss, beginning treatment as soon as possible after the hair loss begins offers the best results. Since there is only one FDA-approved treatment for both male and female pattern hair loss Try: Rogaine for Men (5% Minoxidil) or Rogaine for Women (2% Minoxidil).

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