Minoxidil (Noun)
Meaning
A vasodilator (trade name Loniten) used to treat severe hypertension; one side effect is hirsutism so it is also sold (trade name Rogaine) as a treatment for male-patterned baldness.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- Minoxidil was originally used to treat severe hypertension but a common side effect led to its use as a hair growth treatment.
- The unusual side effects of minoxidil include hirsutism, or excessive hair growth, which ultimately inspired its cosmetic applications.
- Physicians often prescribe minoxidil under its brand name Loniten to treat high blood pressure but caution patients about the risk of excessive hair growth.
- A significant portion of minoxidil users experience scalp irritation, a common complaint from those using the medication to treat baldness.
- Rogaine, also known as minoxidil, is a topical treatment widely used for male-patterned baldness despite having been originally developed to treat severe hypertension.