Minoxidil

Definition

An orally administered vasodilator with hair growth stimulatory and antihypertensive effects. Minoxidil is converted into its active metabolite minoxidil sulphate by sulphotransferase enzymes. Minoxidil sulphate exerts its antihypertensive effect by opening of plasma membrane adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium channels (KATP channels), thereby directly and rapidly relaxing arteriolar smooth muscle and subsequent reduction of elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure by decreasing peripheral vascular resistance. This agent's hair growth stimulatory effect may be mediated through its vasodilatory activity, thereby increasing cutaneous blood flow, or due to its direct stimulatory effect on hair follicle cells and forcing them from their resting phase into their active growth phase.

Also known as 2,3-Dihydro-3-hydroxy-2-imino-6-(1-piperidinyl)-4-pyrimidinamine, 2,4-Pyrimidinediamine, 6-(1-Piperidinyl)-, 3-Oxide, Alostil, Loniten, MINOXIDIL, Rogaine, U 10858 — per NCIT

Also identified as

• ATC C02DC per NCIT
• ATC D11AX per NCIT
• NCIT NCIT:C47623 per NCIT

Indications

Organ Effects

2 entries above are marked DERIVED: Atlas Médico inferred them by combining two sourced claims, and no source asserts these links directly. Treat them as a navigation aid, not as a clinical statement.