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Minoxidil topical is used to help you regrow hair on your scalp.
minoxidil topical will not cause permanent regrowth of scalp hair. You must continue using the product to keep the regrowth of your hair.
Minoxidil topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Do not use minoxidil topical if the skin on your scalp is red, swollen, irritated, or infected.
Do not use minoxidil topical if the skin on your scalp is red, swollen, irritated, or infected. This may allow more of the medication to be absorbed by your body, which could be dangerous.
Check the medicine label carefully to make sure minoxidil topical will treat your specific type of hair loss.
Use only the minoxidil topical formula that is made for your gender. Women should not use minoxidil topical products that are made specifically for men.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use minoxidil topical if you have other medical conditions, especially:
heart disease.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether minoxidil topical will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether minoxidil topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use this medicine on anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Using more of this medicine than recommended will not speed up hair growth, and may cause dangerous side effects.
This medicine comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Dry your hair and scalp before applying minoxidil topical.
Apply the recommended amount to the affected areas of the scalp. Minoxidil topical is usually applied twice daily, in the morning and at night.
Wash your hands after applying minoxidil topical.
Use minoxidil topical only on your scalp. Do not use on any other part of your body.
It may take up to 4 months or longer before you notice new hair growth. New hair may be soft, colorless, and barely visible. With further treatment, the hair should begin to have the same color and thickness as your existing hair.
Talk to your doctor if you do not see any hair growth after 4 months of treatment.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep the minoxidil topical foam canister away from open flame or high heat, such as in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty canister.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
An overdose of minoxidil topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
Avoid getting minoxidil topical in the eyes, nose, or mouth. If this occurs, rinse the area with water.
Avoid using other skin products on the areas you treat with minoxidil topical, unless your doctor tells you to.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Although the risk of serious side effects is low when minoxidil topical is applied to the skin, side effects can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
severe scalp irritation;
unwanted growth of facial hair;
chest pain, fast heartbeats;
swelling in your hands or feet, rapid weight gain;
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
headache, dizziness, confusion; or
flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).
Common side effects may include:
changes in the color or texture of your hair.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Usual Adult Dose for Alopecia:
Apply a half capful or 1 mL twice a day to the affected scalp areas
Maximum dose: 2 mL
Comments:
-Evidence of hair growth may take 2 months or more of twice daily applications.
-If hair regrowth occurs, use must be continued for continued hair growth; re-grown hair may disappear within 3 to 4 months of stopping and the balding process will continue.
-Discontinue if no improvement after 1 year of use.
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied minoxidil. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Further informationRemember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Medically reviewed by USARx EDITORIAL TEAM Last updated on 1/27/2021.
Source: Drugs.com Minoxidil (www.drugs.com/mtm/minoxidil-topical.html).
Applies to minoxidil topical: topical foam, topical solution
Along with its needed effects, minoxidil topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking minoxidil topical:
Less common
Rare
Signs and symptoms of too much medicine being absorbed into the body—Rare
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to minoxidil topical: topical foam, topical solution
GeneralMinoxidil topical is generally well tolerated. Dermatological adverse events are the only side effects reported more commonly as compared to placebo.
CardiovascularEdema, salt and water retention, pericardial effusion, pericarditis, tamponade, tachycardia, and angina have been reported with oral minoxidil. Patients with underlying heart disease may be at increased risk for these or other cardiovascular adverse effects.
Rarely, cardiovascular side effects have included edema, chest pain, blood pressure changes, palpitations, and changes in pulse rate with minoxidil topical therapy.
LocalDespite low levels of systemic absorption, in one study of 35 men using either topical minoxidil 2% twice a day or placebo for 6 months, minoxidil was associated with cardiac changes, such as significant increases in left ventricular end-diastolic volume, cardiac output, and left ventricular mass.
Systemic side effects are uncommon since very little minoxidil is absorbed after topical application. In one study, the serum levels after 2.5 mg twice a day oral versus 2% twice a day topical minoxidil were 32.8 and 1.7 ng per mL, respectively.
Exacerbation of hair loss/alopecia has been reported.
DermatologicRare cases of generalized hypertrichosis have been associated with topically applied minoxidil. Eczema, irritant dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis have also been reported.
HypersensitivityNonspecific allergic reactions, hives, allergic rhinitis, facial swelling, and sensitivity to minoxidil topical have rarely been reported.
Nervous systemHeadache, dizziness, faintness, and light-headedness have been reported with minoxidil topical.
GastrointestinalDiarrhea, nausea, and vomiting have been reported during treatment with minoxidil topical.
OcularVisual disturbances, including decreased visual acuity, have been reported.
Medically reviewed by USARx EDITORIAL TEAM Last updated on 1/27/2021.
Source: Drugs.com Minoxidil (www.drugs.com/mtm/minoxidil-topical.html).
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