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Minoxidil lotion 2%
Minoxidil is a potassium channel opener that increases blood flow to hair follicles and prolongs the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle.
Minoxidil is a potassium channel opener that increases blood flow to hair follicles and prolongs the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. Used for Androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss).
At a glance
| Generic name | Minoxidil lotion 2% |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Mae Fah Luang University Hospital |
| Drug class | Potassium channel opener / topical hair growth stimulant |
| Target | ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP); exact follicle-specific target unclear |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Dermatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Minoxidil acts as a vasodilator by opening ATP-sensitive potassium channels, which increases cutaneous blood flow to hair follicles and delivers more nutrients and oxygen to the dermal papilla. This stimulation extends the anagen phase and increases hair shaft diameter, promoting hair growth and delaying hair loss. The exact mechanism of action on hair follicles remains incompletely understood but is distinct from its original use as an oral antihypertensive agent.
Approved indications
- Androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss)
- Hair regrowth promotion in topical form
Common side effects
- Scalp irritation or dermatitis
- Hypertrichosis (unwanted hair growth on adjacent skin)
- Dryness or flaking of scalp
- Itching or burning sensation
Key clinical trials
- Minoxidil 2% for Eyebrow Enhancement (PHASE4)
- Efficacy Study of Minoxidil Lotion Versus Combined Minoxidil and Finasteride Lotion to Treat Male Pattern Hair Loss (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Minoxidil lotion 2% CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Minoxidil lotion 2% updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Mae Fah Luang University Hospital portfolio CI