Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: minoxidil
BRAND NAMES: Rogaine
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Minoxidil is a drug that is used for treating
male-pattern baldness. Oral minoxidil was originally used for treating high blood pressure, but patients and health care providers noticed that hair growth
was a side effect of treatment. This led to the development of topical (solution
applied to the skin) minoxidil for the treatment of male-pattern baldness. The
mechanism of action leading to growth of hair is unknown.
PRESCRIPTION: No
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Solution: 2 and 5%; Foam: 5%
STORAGE: Minoxidil should be stored at room temperature, 20-25 C (68-77 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Minoxidil is used to treat
male-pattern baldness. In women,
it is used to treat diffuse loss of hair or thinning of hair in the frontal
areas of the scalp.
DOSING: Minoxidil should be applied as 1 ml of solution or half a capful of
foam to dry hair and scalp once in the morning and again in the evening. It
should be spread evenly over the affected areas, and then the hands should be
washed with warm water (if the hands are used for application). Minoxidil must
be applied on the scalp at least twice daily and for at least four months to see
results. Minoxidil works less well in patients that are older, have larger areas
of baldness, and have been bald for longer periods of time. Minoxidil should be
applied to a dry scalp only, and left in place for at least four hours. Minoxidil
must be continued in order to maintain or increase the hair growth achieved.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Minoxidil should not be used with other topical
medications because they may increase its absorption and side effects.
PREGNANCY: Minoxidil should not be used in pregnancy because it has not been
studied adequately in pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS: Minoxidil should not be used by nursing women because it has
not been evaluated adequately in nursing mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: Adverse reactions include irritation of the skin, itching,
contact dermatitis, and dryness of the scalp or flaking. An increase in the
absorption of minoxidil from the scalp can occur in patients with damaged skin,
leading to increased side effects. Minoxidil's contains alcohol that can
irritate the eyes. In case of accidental contact with eyes or other sensitive
areas, the exposed area should be washed with cool water.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 3/26/2009
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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