Minoxidil

Uses of Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a treatment for hair loss that helps regrow hair and prevent future hair loss in men and women with certain types of hair loss. When used regularly, new hair growth may be seen as early as 2 to 4 months.

Minoxidil for women is used to help regrow hair if you have gradually thinning hair or gradual hair loss on the top of the head, which may only become noticeable after years of gradual loss. Minoxidil for women works best when it is used at the earlier stages of female pattern hair loss. Minoxidil for women foam is applied once daily to the affected scalp area, and the solution is applied twice daily.

Minoxidil for men is used to improve hair growth if you have inherited gradually thinning hair or gradual hair loss on the vertex at the top of the scalp. It is not intended for frontal baldness or a receding hairline. This medicine works best at the earlier stages of hair loss or thinning and is less effective when there is a larger area of hair loss. Minoxidil for men is available as a foam and solution and is applied twice daily to the affected scalp area.

Precautions and Warnings

Do not use this medicine if the skin on your scalp is red, swollen, irritated, or infected.

Dosage

Usual Adult Men’s Dose – Solution (5%)

Apply 1 mL with the dropper twice daily to the affected hair loss area on the scalp.

Usual Adult Men’s Dose – Foam (5%)

Apply half a capful twice a day.
Rinsed fingers in cold water and dry them to prevent foam from melting on warm hands.
Hold the can straight upside down to ensure the foam dispenses properly.
Press the nozzle to dispense half a capful of foam onto a cold surface such as cold hands or a dish.
Part your hair to expose the hair loss area and massage foam into the scalp (not the hair).
Replace the cap and wash hands and any surface thoroughly after use.

Usual Adult Women’s Dose – Solution (2%)

Apply 1 mL with the dropper twice a day directly onto the scalp in the hair loss area on the scalp.

Usual Adult Women’s Dose – Foam (5%)

Apply half a capful once a day.
Rinsed fingers in cold water and dry them to prevent foam from melting on warm hands.
Hold the can straight upside down to ensure the foam dispenses properly.
Press the nozzle to dispense half a capful of foam onto a cold surface such as cold hands or a dish.
Part your hair to expose the hair loss area and massage foam into the scalp (not the hair).
Replace the cap and wash hands and any surface thoroughly after use.

Side Effects

Common minoxidil side effects:

• Common minoxidil side effects may include changes in the color or texture of your hair.

Serious minoxidil side effects:

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although the risk of serious side effects is low when minoxidil foam and solution is applied to the skin, side effects can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream.

Minoxidil topical may cause serious side effects. 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).