Minoxidil is an antihypertensive vasodilating agent used for resistant hypertension that is symptomatic or has caused end organ damage. A potent direct-acting peripheral vasodilator (vasodilator agents) that reduces peripheral resistance and produces a fall in blood pressure.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Minoxidil is thought to promote the survival of human dermal papillary cells (DPCs) or hair cells by activating both extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt and by preventing cell death by increasing the ratio of BCl-2/Bax. Minoxidil may stimulate the growth of human hairs by prolonging anagen through these proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects on DPCs. Minoxidil, when used as a vasodilator, acts by opening adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells. This vasodilation may also improve the viability of hair cells or hair follicles.
- Primary indication
- For the treatment of severe hypertension and in the topical treatment (regrowth) of androgenic alopecia in males and females and stabilisation of hair loss in patients with androgenic alopecia.Curator reviewed · 2 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C9H15N5O · 209.2483 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1996 · United States, 1979
- Code names
- U-10,858
- Brand names
Resolves to
ZFMITUMMTDLWHR-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESNC1=CC(=NC(N)=[N+]1[O-])N1CCCCC1What you can answer from here — as of September 20, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Minoxidil, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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