Know Your Chemicals

Minoxidil: Minoxidil is available in oral form (Loniten) for severe, drug-resistant hypertension and topical form (Rogaine) for hereditary hair loss. Topical minoxidil is effective in promoting hair growth in about 30% of men and 60% of women with common hereditary hair loss, also slowing or halting hair loss. Originally approved in 1979 for hypertension, minoxidil's topical form was approved in 1988 for alopecia, with a 2% solution for over-the-counter use in men in 1996. A 5% topical solution (Rogaine Extra Strength) was approved in 1997, offering faster hair growth and a 45% increase in regrown hair compared to the regular strength version. Approval for women and the introduction of minoxidil foam (Men's Rogaine Foam) in 2006 were also notable. Foam has advantages, including no propylene glycol (less irritant) and quicker drying.

Melatonin: Melatonin can be beneficial and relatively low-risk for short-term treatment of sleep issues in pediatric patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. It finds utility in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who haven't responded to behavioral sleep improvement strategies. Additionally, melatonin has orphan drug status for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. While regarded as a dietary supplement in the U.S., melatonin is available by prescription in Europe as Circadin, primarily used for short-term monotherapy in individuals aged 55 or older with primary insomnia characterized by poor sleep quality. In accordance with the British Association for Psychopharmacology guidelines, extended-release melatonin is the preferred hypnotic for patients over 55. Furthermore, topical melatonin solutions have demonstrated effectiveness in treating scalp seborrheic dermatitis and androgenetic alopecia.

Latanoprost: Latanoprost, an analog of prostaglandin F2alpha, is a prodrug employed to lower elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Studies indicate that once-daily latanoprost is as effective as timolol in reducing IOP. Combining latanoprost and timolol results in a nearly complete additive effect in reducing IOP. However, this treatment has been linked to increased pigmentation of the iris, periorbital tissue (eyelid), and eyelashes.