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Over The Counter
Treatments
The
most popular over-the-counter hair restoration
drug today is Rogaine®, a brand of topical monoxidil solution by
Pfizer Corporation, approved for over the counter sale in 1997 by the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Monoxidil was originally used as a
blood pressure medication, and then doctors found that it produced the
side effect of increased scalp hair growth. Today monoxidil remains the
only FDA approved pharmaceutical topical solution proven to grow hair.
In the preliminary studies held in 1985, 55% of men tested were able to
re-grow hair with extra strength Rogaine® (5% topical monoxidil
treatment), although the best results came from those who had been
balding for less than 10 years and were bald in a section of four
inches across or less. Another test study compared the results of
regular strength Rogaine® (2% topical monoxidil solution) with the
extra strength version, and found that subjects grew 45% more hair with
the extra strength Rogaine® than with the regular strength
Rogaine®, and users of both solutions outgrew the users of the
placebo. Only 6% of those tested experienced any type of irritation.
Rogaine® works by blocking the production of DHT. Of course there
are generic brands of topical monoxidil solution also on the market.
Rogaine® was originally made only for men’s use, and then a women’s
version of the drug was produced. Similar results were achieved with
the women’s version. As with both men’s and women’s versions, users
must take note that continuous use of the drug is necessary to maintain
the newly grown hair, as it is a usual reaction for newly growing hair
to stop growing and fall out when one ceases to use the drug. As with
any drug, follow all directions and cease to use if irritation or
discomfort persists.
Of course many people choose not to use drugs to
treat conditions, because they want to avoid the use of chemicals and
their possible side effects. In this case, there are several treatments
in existence that have been found to block the production of DHT and
thus work similarly to topical monoxidil products. As mentioned
earlier, Saw Palmetto has been used effectively to block DHT in the
treatment of prostatic disease, and is now being explored for its
effectiveness in stimulating hair growth. Traditionally it has been
used by herbalists to stimulate hair growth effectively. Nettles,
usually taken in the form of Nettle Root Extract has shown itself to be
effective in preventing hair loss as well. More information on these
was covered in the section called Natural Hair Remedies.
Click
here for the next Chapter.
This information is
not presented
by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational
purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for
professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the
advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any
questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard
professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something
you have read. |
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