Minoxidil Topical

Minoxidil topical is used to treat hair loss.

Minoxidil topical is available under the following different brand names: Rogaine and Women's Rogaine.

Dosages of Minoxidil Topical:

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Topical Solution

• 2%
• 5%

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Androgenetic Alopecia

• Male: Apply 1 mL of 2% or 5% solution to affected areas of the scalp every 12 hours (every morning and evening); no more than 2 mL in 24 hours
• Female: Apply 1 mL of 2% solution or 5% foam to affected areas of the scalp every 12 hours (every morning and evening)
• Hair growth may require 4 months of therapy

Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients.

Common side effects of Minoxidil Topical include:

• Irritation
• Eczema
• Abnormal hair growth on the body
• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Application site redness
• Worsening of hair loss
• Burning
• Respiratory infections
• Tendinitis
• Back pain
• Fractures
• Sinusitis
• Fluid retention (edema)
• Anxiety
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Faintness

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Minoxidil Topical has no listed severe interactions with other drugs.
• Minoxidil Topical has no listed serious interactions with other drugs.
• Minoxidil Topical has no listed moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Minoxidil Topical has no listed mild interactions with other drugs.

Warnings

This medication contains minoxidil topical. Do not take Rogaine and Women's Rogaine if you are allergic to minoxidil topical or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug or components

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available.

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Minoxidil Topical?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Minoxidil Topical?"

Cautions

• Once started, need to use indefinitely; hair growth should be apparent by 4 months
• Can be easily removed from scalp; avoid contact with scalp once applied
• Hair color may change
• Use caution in patients with heart disease
• Solution is flammable; keep away from fire or flame
• Avoid contact with eyes
• Not for use when infection, redness, inflammation present

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use with minoxidil topical caution during pregnancy if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies are not available or neither animal nor human studies were done.

The effects of topical application of minoxidil topical are not known, but minoxidil topical has been shown to distribute into milk following oral administration in lactating women. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.