Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
topical solution
- 2%
- 5%
topical foam
- 5%
Androgenetic Alopecia
Male: Apply 1 mL of 2% or 5% solution to affected areas of scalp q12hr (qAM & qHS); no more than 2 mL in 24 hours
Female: Apply 1 mL of 2% solution or 5% foam to affected areas of scalp q12hr (qAM & qHS)
Hair growth may require 4 months of therapy
Safety and efficacy not established
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Irritation
Eczema
Hypertrichosis
Allergic contact dermatitis
Local erythema
Exacerbation of hair loss
Burning
Respiratory infections
Tendinitis
Back pain
Fractures
Sinusitis
Edema
Anxiety
Erythema at site of application
May see systemic effects (hypotension)
Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Faintness
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to drug or components
Cautions
Once started, need to use indefinitely; hair growth should be apparent by 4 months
Do not apply to other parts of body
Can be easily removed from scalp; avoid contact with scalp once applied
Use caution in patients with heart disease
Solution is flammable; keep away from fire or flame
Avoid contact with eyes; in accidental contact with eyes, rinse eyes with large amounts of cool tap water
Not for use when infection, redness, inlfammation present
Changes in hair color and texture reported
Product will not work for everyone
Not for use if degree of hair loss is different from carton; product may not be for you
Do not use if hair loss is sudden and/or patchy or there is no family history of hair loss or hair loss is associated with childbirth
Not for use if reason for hair loss is not known, or patient is under 18 years of age, or if scalp is red, infected, inflamed, painful or irritated
Do not use other medicines on scalp
Discontinue use and see healthcare professional if scalp irritation or redness occurs, hands or feet swell, unwanted facial hair growth occurs, sudden and unexplaised weight gain occur, or if hair regrowth does not occur in 4 months
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: Following topical application of the drug is not known, but the drug has been shown to distribute into milk following oral administration in lactating women
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Acts at the level of the hair follicle, possibly involving direct stimulation of hair follicle epithelial growth; may increase cutaneous blood flow, and stimulate resting hair follicles
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| minoxidil oral - | 2.5 mg tablet |  | |
| minoxidil oral - | 10 mg tablet |  | |
| minoxidil oral - | 10 mg tablet |  | |
| minoxidil oral - | 2.5 mg tablet |  | |
| minoxidil oral - | 2.5 mg tablet |  | |
| minoxidil oral - | 10 mg tablet |  | |
| Rogaine topical - | 5 % foam |  | |
| Rogaine topical - | 2 % solution |  | |
| Rogaine topical - | 5 % foam |  | |
| Rogaine topical - | 5 % foam |  | |
| Rogaine topical - | 5 % foam |  | |
| Hair Regrowth Treatment topical - | 5 % solution |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
minoxidil oral
MINOXIDIL - ORAL
(min-OX-i-dil)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Loniten
WARNING: Minoxidil may cause serious heart problems or worsen chest pain (angina). This medication is only used when other treatments have not worked well or cannot be taken.Your doctor should direct you to also take other medications to reduce the side effects of minoxidil. These medications include a "water pill" (diuretic) to prevent the body from holding on to too much water and salt and a heart medication (such as a beta blocker including propranolol) to prevent the heart from working too hard or beating too fast.Your doctor will follow you closely while you are taking this medication. Keep all regular medical and lab appointments.
USES: Minoxidil is used with other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Minoxidil works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice a day.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on weight. Your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.Take this medication and your other blood pressure medications regularly in order to get the most benefit from them. To help you remember, take them at the same time(s) each day. Keep taking your medications even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.It may take several days to a couple of weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If either of these effects lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Minoxidil may cause increased growth or darkening of fine body hairs. If this bothers you, consult your doctor. When you stop taking the medication, the hair will usually return to normal within 1 to 6 months.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast heartbeat, symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain), fainting.Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest/jaw/left arm pain.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking minoxidil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: pheochromocytoma, heart problems (such as heart failure, chest pain, recent heart attack), kidney disease, a certain lung disease (pulmonary hypertension).This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This drug passes into breast milk, but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include: guanethidine.Some products have ingredients that could raise your blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood minerals levels, kidney function, weight) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.Have your blood pressure and pulse (heart rate) checked regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure and pulse at home, and share the results with your doctor.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised August 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
