Minoxidil sulfate

Minoxidil sulfate

Minoxidil sulfate is an active metabolite of the antihypertensive drug Minoxidil. It is primarily used as a vasodilator that promotes hair growth and is used in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness).

Pharmacology

Minoxidil sulfate is a potassium channel opener, causing hyperpolarization of cell membranes. Theoretically, by widening blood vessels and opening potassium channels, it allows more oxygen, blood, and nutrients to the hair follicles. This can cause follicles in the telogen phase to shed, which are then replaced by thicker hairs in a new anagen phase.

Medical uses

Minoxidil sulfate is used to treat hair loss conditions like androgenetic alopecia. It is not effective in treating hair loss due to childbirth or hair loss following chemotherapy. It is typically applied topically as a lotion or foam, with the amount of minoxidil varying by product.

Side effects

Side effects of minoxidil sulfate can include skin irritation, dryness, scaling, itching, and/or redness at the application site. More severe side effects can include changes in hair color or texture, unwanted facial/body hair, dizziness, fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, chest pain, swelling of hands/feet, unusual weight gain, difficulty breathing, especially when lying down.

See also

• Minoxidil
• Androgenetic alopecia
• Potassium channel opener
• Telogen phase
• Anagen phase