minoxidil

American  

[mi-nok-si-dil] / mɪˈnɒk sɪˌdɪl /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a potent peripheral vasodilator, C 23 H 27 N, used in the treatment of severe hypertension, also applied topically to promote hair growth in some types of baldness.

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Etymology

Origin of minoxidil

(a)min(o)- + oxy- ² + ( piper)idi(ny)l, a chemical component; see piperidine, -yl

Example Sentences

Finasteride works by targeting hormones involved in follicle shrinkage, while minoxidil is commonly used on the scalp to encourage growth.

From Science Daily • Jun. 7, 2026

Current treatments, including finasteride and minoxidil, can help some people, but they are not ideal for everyone.

From Science Daily • Jun. 7, 2026

Now 24 years old, he takes a stronger version of finasteride along with oral minoxidil at a low dose to stave off side effects.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

He researched different medication and started taking finasteride and minoxidil to help treat hair loss - both legal on prescription in the UK.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

There are other types of hair loss, like the autoimmune condition alopecia areata, which is treated with JAK inhibitors, steroids or minoxidil.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 25, 2026