How do they make minoxidil?

Author: Karlie Wilderman  |  Last update: Monday, August 4, 2025

Minoxidil, 6-amino-1,2-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2-imino-4-piperidinopyrimidine, is synthesized from barbituric acid, the reaction of which with phosphorus oxychloride gives 2,4,6-trichloropyrimidine. Upon reaction with ammonium, this turns into 2,4-diamino-6-chloropyrimidine.

How is minoxidil made?

Minoxidil has been used as a vasodilator, but latterly it has become more popular as a hair restorer; it is obtained by the reaction of piperidine with 2,6-diamino-4-chloropyrimidine N-oxide.

How do you make minoxidil?

The preparation method of 5% per 1000 milliliters minoxidil solution: get 1,500 milliliters of 2-propylene glycol, 300 milliliters of 95% ethanol, be heated to 40 ℃, add minoxidil 50 grams, stir and make dissolving, make the minoxidil alcoholic solution, sodium thiosulfate 4 grams and 4-butyl amine hydrochlorate 0.5 ...

What is the problem with minoxidil?

Minoxidil-induced telogen effluvium: The shortening of the telogen phase caused by minoxidil can result in excessive hair shedding in individuals. Skin irritation: This condition can lead to erythema, discomfort, and a burning sensation on the scalp.

What are the ingredients in minoxidil?

Each mililitre (ml) of solution contains 50 mg of minoxidil. 1 ml is equivalent to 10 sprays. — The other ingredients are ethanol 96%, propylene glycol and purified water.

Which is better, TOICAL or ORAL Minoxidil?

What is the raw material for minoxidil?

For example, when preparing a 1 wt% minoxidil preparation, minoxidil raw material: 1.0 g propylene glycol: 10.0 ml (10.4 g) ethanol (95%): 73.7 ml ( 60.05 g) Purified water: blended in such a ratio that the total amount becomes 100 ml.

What is the black box warning for minoxidil?

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration issued a black-box warning for pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, and electrocardiogram (EKG) changes for oral minoxidil therapy. The potential for these adverse events explains its indication for only severe, treatment-resistant hypertension.

Why is minoxidil not recommended?

Topical minoxidil is generally well tolerated, but it can cause temporary hair shedding, scalp irritation, and changes in hair texture. In rare cases, it can contribute to a fast heartbeat. Some minoxidil side effects can be avoided by taking the low-dose tablet formulation.

Why people stop using minoxidil?

You have significant side effects. It's expensive to continue using Minoxidil every day. You're concerned that Minoxidil is interacting with other medications you're taking. You've achieved the results you want and no longer want to use Minoxidil.

What does minoxidil do to your heart?

Minoxidil overdose can cause a broad range of serious cardiovascular side effects, including severe circulatory shock due to its direct vasodilatory effect, fluid retention, pulmonary edema, tachycardia-induced acute heart failure, and subendocardial ischemia.

Is caffeine as effective as minoxidil?

Conclusion. A caffeine-based topical liquid should be considered as not inferior to minoxidil 5% solution in men with androgenetic alopecia.

How to make natural minoxidil?

Natural Alternatives to Minoxidil
  1. 12 – Aloe Vera. ...
  2. 13 – Scalp Massages. ...
  3. 14 – Avocado Oil. ...
  4. 15 – Coconut Oil. ...
  5. 16 – Geranium Oil. ...
  6. 17 – Rosemary Oil. ...
  7. 18 – Fatty Acids. ...
  8. 19 – Onion Extract.

Does minoxidil increase anxiety?

These are the more serious side effects: Minoxidil can increase your heart rate and that could lead to chest pains or shortness of breath. There could be a sudden weight gain or swelling in hands and feet. In very rare cases, the person using Minoxidil could feel severe anxiety or depression (Klonopin)

Has anyone used minoxidil for 20 years?

Professor Chu knows of patients who have used minoxidil for 15–20 years with continuing good results: “I see patients who started using it many years ago when they noticed slight thinning, and they still have a good head of hair.

Which food has minoxidil?

10 Foods That Complement Minoxidil for Healthy Hair
  • Salmon. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for healthy hair growth. ...
  • Spinach. ...
  • Eggs. ...
  • Greek Yogurt. ...
  • Walnuts. ...
  • Sweet Potatoes. ...
  • Berries. ...
  • Avocado.

What are the downsides of minoxidil?

Minoxidil has other effects that could be bothersome for some patients. These include increased hair growth, weight gain, fast heartbeat, and chest pain. Before you take this medicine, be sure that you have discussed the use of it with your doctor.

Can you stay on minoxidil forever?

Minoxidil is considered safe for long-term use; there are few to no withdrawal effects, nor long-term side effects (aside from in very rare cases).

What is better than minoxidil?

According to experts at Harvard University, finasteride is more effective than minoxidil in treating hair loss. Up to two-thirds of people who use finasteride for male pattern baldness report good results in terms of new hair growth. Study results also suggest that finasteride is better than minoxidil.

Are minoxidil gains permanent?

Minoxidil helps stimulate the growth of hair and encourages follicular regeneration. Even though it is 60% effective, but still, the results are not permanent. Therefore, the individual must continue its usage till the regrowth of hair [2].

Does oral minoxidil age your face?

It's certainly premature to jump to conclusions that minoxidil promotes facial aging. If it does, it's rare - likely because not enough minoxidil reaches the facial skin.

Does minoxidil affect testosterone?

Does Minoxidil increase testosterone? No – there is absolutely no evidence to suggest this. While studies have looked into the possible effect of the hair loss treatment on your hormones, no definitive conclusion has been reached. In fact, Minoxidil may well have the opposite effect.

Why does minoxidil cause weight gain?

It may cause weight gain due to water retention in the body.

Why can't over 65s use minoxidil?

As the skin's characteristics and responses can alter with age, older adults over 65 may experience different results or an increased risk of side effects. Despite its topical application, a small amount of Minoxidil can be absorbed by the body, potentially affecting blood pressure and overall cardiovascular function.

Can minoxidil turn GREY hair black?

This observational study examined the data of over 400 patients to determine if minoxidil could cause hair discoloration. Based on the data, we hypothesize that this drug may cause hair discoloration with prolonged use and in people with a family history of hair greying.

Previous article
How to get rid of sebum on scalp naturally?
Next article
Is HydraFacial good for clogged pores?