I saw an advertisement for Regaine hair product.... I was curious as to how it actually works... so I punched it into google, and wiki gave me this.... below.... it sounds horrible !!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MinoxidilMinoxidil (trade names Rogaine, Regaine, Avacor, Loniten (orally), and Mintop among others-now that Minoxidil is off patent) is an antihypertensive vasodilator medication also claimed to slow or stop hair loss and promote hair regrowth. It is available over the counter for treatment of androgenic alopecia, among other baldness treatments, but measurable changes, if experienced, disappear within months after discontinuation of treatment.
History
Minoxidil was first used exclusively as an oral drug (trade name Loniten) to treat high blood pressure. However, it was discovered to have an interesting side-effect:[1] Minoxidil may cause increased growth or darkening of fine body hairs, or in some cases, significant hair loss. When the medication is discontinued, the hair will return to normal within 30 to 60 days. Upjohn Corporation produced a topical solution that contained 2% minoxidil to be used to treat baldness and hair loss, under the brand name Rogaine in the United States and Canada, and Regaine in Europe and the Asia-Pacific. Treatments usually include a 5% concentration solution that is designed for men, whereas the 2% concentration solutions are designed for women. The patent on minoxidil expired on February 11, 1996.[2]
In 2007 a new foam-based formulation of 5% minoxidil was claimed to be as effective as the liquid-based treatment for male pattern baldness.[3]
While the drug is available in the United Kingdom, it cannot be prescribed on the NHS, so patients must either buy it over-the-counter or have a private prescription for it.[4]
Side effectsCommon side effects of minoxidil include burning or irritation of the eye; itching; redness or irritation at the treated area; unwanted hair growth elsewhere on the body. Users should seek medical attention right away if they experience the severe side effects: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dizziness; fainting; fast heartbeat; sudden, unexplained weight gain; swollen hands or feet.[7]
Alcohol present in topical preparations may dry the scalp, resulting in dandruff.
Side effects of oral minoxidil may include swelling of the face and extremities, rapid and irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, cardiac lesions, and focal necrosis of the papillary muscle and subendocardial areas of the left ventricle.[9] There have been cases of allergic reactions to minoxidil or the non-active ingredient propylene glycol, which is found in some forms of topical Rogaine.
Pseudoacromegaly is an extremely rarely reported side effect of large doses of oral minoxidil.[10]
Ironically, hair loss is a common side effect of minoxidil treatment.[11] Manufacturers note that minoxidil-induced hair loss is a common side effect and describe the process as 'shedding'. Although this phenomenon demonstrates that minoxidil is indeed affecting hair follicles, manufacturers offer no guarantee that the new hair loss will be replaced with hair growth.
The speculated reason for this "shedding" is the encouragement of hairs already in the telogen phase to shed early, before often beginning a fresh, healthier anagen phase[citation needed].
[edit]Toxic effects
Minoxidil is highly toxic to, and may cause death in, cats and rats.[12][13]
