Minoxidil 38304-91-5 Treating hypertension

Minoxidil, also known as long-term vasopressin, is an organic compound used clinically as a potassium channel opener. It can directly relax vascular smooth muscle and has a strong small artery dilation effect, reducing peripheral resistance and blood pressure, without affecting volume vessels, thus promoting venous return. At the same time, due to reflex regulation and positive frequency effects, it can increase cardiac output and heart rate, but does not cause orthostatic hypotension. Minoxidil is an oral medication used clinically to lower blood pressure. Long term use of minoxidil may have a side effect, which is a slight increase in body hair, such as arm hair, as the medication continues to be used. But generally within an acceptable range.

Minoxidil was initially introduced in the 1970s as a drug for treating severe refractory hypertension due to its powerful vasodilatory properties. Minoxidil has a relaxing effect on vascular smooth muscle by opening ATP sensitive potassium channels. In 1971, clinical trials found that using it for more than 2 months would result in a side effect - hirsutism. Its topical preparations were first launched in 1986. In 1987, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 2% minoxidil for sale in the United States for the treatment of male hair loss. For decades, minoxidil has been used as a 2% and 5% topical solution, approved for androgenic alopecia (AGA). Meanwhile, minoxidil is also the only topical medication recommended for use in the Chinese Androgenic Hair Loss Treatment Guidelines.

Minoxidil is mainly used as a blood pressure lowering medication for refractory, primary, or renal hypertension, and can also be used to prevent lipid induced hair loss and animal husbandry.