Minoxidil for use on the scalp has been licensed in the UK since 1988. It is the only licensed medicinal products available without prescription for the treatment of female pattern hair loss. Minoxidil is available in two forms: oral and topical. Oral minoxidil is a tablet that was originally used to treat high blood pressure, but was found to have a positive effect on hair growth. Topical minoxidil is a solution or a foam that is applied directly to the scalp, where the hair loss has occurred. Topical minoxidil is more widely used and studied than oral minoxidil, and is the only FDA-approved treatment for hair loss in women.