drugstore.com
pharmacymedicine cabinetflexible spending account storeoral carehair careskin caremakeup & accessoriesGNCdiet & fitnesstoys & gamescouponssale & clearance
green & naturalmen'spersonal carehouseholdpetsbaby & momfood & gourmetvitaminssexual well-beingcontact lensesBeauty.com
:
new prescriptions
log in to view prescription items
view new prescription cart

pharmacy directory


pharmacy resource center



ask your pharmacist

back to: pharmacy | ask your pharmacist

Are there any over-the-counter treatments for hair loss?

Are there any over-the-counter treatments for hair loss?


answer for 'Are there any over-the-counter treatments for hair loss?'Hair loss or baldness is generally a hereditary condition caused by an excess of hormones called androgens. Some medications or medical conditions can also cause hair loss.

Rogaine (the brand name for minoxidil) is the only over-the-counter drug approved to treat hereditary hair loss. It's available in 2 percent and 5 percent liquid solutions that are applied to the scalp. Rogaine works for both hereditary male-pattern baldness and female-pattern hair loss.

To use Rogaine, apply it directly to hair-loss areas of the scalp twice daily.

In medical research studies, 40 percent to 75 percent of men who used Rogaine for 12 months reported new hair growth. Among women who used it for eight months, 46 percent to 60 percent grew new hair.

The most common side effects of Rogaine are itching and skin irritation on the scalp.

Pregnant or nursing women should not use Rogaine. Also, people who are age 18 or younger should not use this product unless directed by a doctor. If you don't have a family history of hair loss, or if your hair loss is patchy or sudden, check with your doctor before trying Rogaine.

Sources:
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, Inc., 2007.
Rogaine product information, Pfizer Inc., 2007
Price, V. "Drug Therapy: Treatment of Hair Loss," New England Journal of Medicine. 341(1999).Diseases and Conditions, “Hair loss.” http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 1/11/2007.

This answer prepared 3/16/2001.
This information updated 1/11/2007.


search our archive


 
Example: Arthritis
Ask your pharmacist
Can't find your answer? Just ask your pharmacist at drugstore.com.

return to Beauty.com
 
related departments:
  hair regrowth

drug interaction
checker
Is it safe to combine
your medicines?
Find out.


  VIPPS
  Questions? Please visit our site help pages for information about our site and our policies.
  about our prices

Paypal Google CheckoutBill Me Later
Disclaimer
Copyright © 1999-2010 drugstore.com, inc. All rights reserved.