C16H22N2O2

C16H22N2O2 is the molecular formula for several chemical compounds. One notable compound with this formula is known as minoxidil. Minoxidil is a medication that was originally developed as an oral tablet to treat high blood pressure. During clinical trials, it was observed that one of the side effects of minoxidil was the growth of hair. This led to the development of topical formulations of minoxidil for the treatment of hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness). The exact mechanism by which minoxidil stimulates hair growth is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve vasodilation, increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, and potentially prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. Minoxidil is available over-the-counter in various strengths for topical application. Other compounds can share the C16H22N2O2 formula, each with distinct chemical structures and properties, but minoxidil is the most widely recognized.