There are two forms of minoxidil available on the market, one is the topical which comes in many strengths, the second is the pills which was originally used for the treatment of high blood pressure. The pill, which is rarely used for hair loss in the US and can bring down the blood pressure of the person taking it but is more effective at treating hair loss than the topical application of the drug. In some countries, minoxidil pills are used as the primary treatment for genetic hair loss.