Hairloss Product: Community Drug 12.5%/15% Minoxidil Review

Hairloss Product: Community Drug 12.5%/15% Minoxidil Review

By John Ertel
February 1, 1999

DISCLAIMER: The following article is not an endorsement nor medical advice. They are only the opinions of the editor of Regrowth.com based on the best knowledge he has available. When considering the use of a medication, it is important to consult with a physician. This article should not be used to replace the opinions of a licensed physician.

Community Drug Minoxidil 12.5%/15% Review

cdminox.jpg (20316 bytes) Community Drug pharmacy in Pennsylvania is one of the only two pharmacies providing access to new high strength Minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine) formulas. They are offering both a 12.5% Minoxidil and 15% Minoxidil formula.

Their 12.5% formula is a clear gel with the consistency of a very thick liquid. Their 15% formula is in a cream base that ranges from white to flesh toned in color depending on the ingredients. Community Drug's formulas contain micronized Minoxidil, which means the Minoxidil has been ground down from it's normal crystals into very fine particles which can be more easily put into higher strength formulas. Minoxidil's hair regrowth and maintenance has been shown to be dose dependent, meaning the higher the dose of Minoxidil, the better the hair growth.

Unlike the other available high strength formula, this formula can have a variety of other medicines included in the cream. Ingredients can include retinoic acid, phenytoin, grape seed extract, azelaic acid, hydrocortisone, and betamethasone valerate. These ingredients are included in the cost of the base formula. Other medicines can be added for an additional fee, such as chloroquine, cimetidine, and other special request formulations.

Regrowth.com's editor has been testing the formula for over a month as well as the other high strength formula. The cream is smooth and not granular, so it applies easily to the scalp. Unlike the other high strength formula, it does not contain any ingredients that cause redness or irritation after applying. After rubbing it in for a few seconds, the cream should not be visible, although it may make any hair you get it on look a little lighter with the white cream.

Most of the medicines included require a prescription. Unfortunately, hairloss is not considered a primary concern for most doctors, even dermatologists, so most doctors are unaware of these formulas because they are relativiely new and it is unlikely that you will find a doctor who will prescribe the treatment. Community Drug has a service to acquire a prescription online, although it is more costly than some others available on the internet.

We will be following up in the future with surveys and other testimonials concerning the effectiveness of high strength Minoxidil/azeleic acid formulas. Hopefully if they are effective in stimulating hair growth in difficult areas, we can spread the word to other men suffering from hairloss.

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