minoxidil
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun 1. A pharmaceutical compound: Minoxidil is a synthetic medication that functions as a vasodilator, meaning it widens blood vessels. It is primarily used to treat severe hypertension (high blood pressure). A notable side effect is the stimulation of hair growth (hirsutism), which led to its development and marketing as a topical treatment for androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The doctor prescribed minoxidil to help control his dangerously high blood pressure.
- She applies minoxidil to her scalp twice daily to promote hair regrowth.
- A common side effect of oral minoxidil is excessive hair growth on the body.
Advanced Usage
- "Topical minoxidil": Refers to the liquid or foam formulation applied directly to the scalp for treating hair loss, as opposed to the oral tablet form used for hypertension.
- Topical minoxidil is available over-the-counter at most pharmacies.
Variants and Related Words
- Loniten (n): A major trade name for oral minoxidil tablets used as an antihypertensive drug.
- Rogaine (n): A major trade name for topical minoxidil solutions and foams used as a treatment for hair loss.
Synonyms
- Vasodilator: A general term for a drug that causes dilation of blood vessels.
- Antihypertensive: A general term for a drug used to treat high blood pressure.
- Hair growth stimulant: A descriptive term for its secondary use.
Noun
- 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