Meanwhile the effect of minoxidil on hair loss prevention was so clear that in the 1980s physicians were prescribing Loniten off-label to their balding patients.[25]

In August 1988, the FDA finally approved the drug for treating baldness in men[25][29] under the trade name "Rogaine" (FDA rejected Upjohn's first choice, Regain, as misleading[30]). The agency concluded that although "the product will not work for everyone", 39% of the men studied had "moderate to dense hair growth on the crown of the head".[30]

In 1991, Upjohn made the product available for women.[29]

On February 12, 1996, the FDA approved both the over-the-counter sale of the drug and the production of generic formulations of minoxidil.[25] Upjohn replied to that by lowering prices to half the price of the prescription drug[29] and by releasing a prescription 5% formula of Rogaine in 1997.[25]

In 1998, a 5% formulation of minoxidil was approved for nonprescription sale by the FDA.[31]

As of 2014, it was the only topical product that is FDA-approved for androgenic hair loss.[5]

The drug is available over the counter in many countries, including United Kingdom,[4] (topical only) United States, (topical only) Sweden and Germany (available from registered pharmacies only).

Quelle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minoxidil#Hair_growth