Medications and Drugs

Hair and Scalp Slideshow

GENERIC NAME: MINOXIDIL - TOPICAL (min-OX-id-ill)

BRAND NAME(S): Rogaine, Ronoxidil

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used topically to promote hair growth in the treatment of male pattern baldness.

HOW TO USE: Clean and dry the scalp area before applying the medication. To apply, gently rub approximately 20 drops of the medication to the desired area twice a day. Wash hands thoroughly after application. Larger or more frequent doses will not speed up or increase chance of hair growth, but will increase the chance of side effects. Do not use this medication with any other topical scalp medications.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause burning, stinging or redness when first applied to the skin. This should disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. If excessive amounts of this medication are absorbed through the skin, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, change in heart rate or blood pressure, chest pain, swelling of hands or feet, or fatigue may occur. Look for these effects and inform your doctor if they occur. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Do not apply minoxidil to a sunburned or irritated scalp. Using the medication more often, applying more of it than as directed, or applying it to an irritated or sunburned scalp can cause the drug to be absorbed into your body and result in serious side effects. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart problems, kidney problems, liver problems, other scalp conditions, allergies (especially drug allergies).

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using minoxidil, tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medications you are taking, especially of: guanethidine, other drugs used for high blood pressure. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.