Minoxidil, also known as long-pressed and minoxidil, has a molecular formula and relative molecular mass of C9H15N5O=209.25. It is a white or off-white crystalline powder, slightly soluble in water or chloroform, slightly soluble in ethanol, slightly soluble in acetone, and soluble in glacial acetic acid. It can directly act on the blood vessel wall, dilate arterioles, reduce peripheral resistance, lower blood pressure, and also increase heart rate and cardiac output, but its antihypertensive effect is more significant and longer-lasting than hydralazine.
Pharmacological effects
Minoxidil directly dilates arterioles, thereby lowering blood pressure, but the specific mechanism is unknown. This product does not dilate small veins. Reduced peripheral vascular resistance causes reflex heart rate acceleration and increased cardiac output. After lowering blood pressure, renin activity increases, causing water and sodium retention. This product does not interfere with vasomotor reflexes, so orthostatic hypotension does not occur. Minoxidil is a commonly used and effective drug for treating hair loss, but its pharmacological effects and the target cells it acts on are not very clear. In recent years, research has shown that minoxidil may promote hair growth through the following multiple pathways.
