What is the active ingredient in Rogaine?

The active ingredient in Rogaine, a popular hair loss treatment, is minoxidil. Originally developed as an oral medication for treating high blood pressure, minoxidil was discovered to have the side effect of promoting hair growth. Consequently, it was repurposed into a topical solution specifically aimed at treating androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male- or female-pattern baldness. Available in various strengths, with 2% and 5% concentrations being the most common, minoxidil works by widening blood vessels and opening potassium channels, which allows more oxygen, blood, and nutrients to the follicles, potentially slowing hair loss and encouraging the growth of new hair.