Minoxidil Side Effects
Serious Side Effects of Minoxidil
- increase in heart rate
- chest tension or pain
- feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- unexplained weight gain
- swelling of the body, especially the face, abdomen, ankles or hands
- serious allergic reaction with symptoms of hives or a rash, swelling of the mouth, tongue, throat, face or eyes, and trouble breathing or hoarseness
Common Side Effects of Minoxidil
Minoxidil may cause the scalp to become dry or itchy. Patients may suffer from symptoms of scalp flaking, irritation, scaling or a burning sensation where the solution was applied.
Warnings & Recalls for Minoxidil
Minoxidil Recalls
In
January of 2012, several products containing minoxidil were voluntarily recalled by Perfect Image Solutions. These medicines contained higher doses of
10% and 15% minoxidil which are considered
"unsafe" by the FDA. These high doses could
lower blood pressure and even lead to cardiac symptoms. Before taking minoxidil, be sure that you are using a safe and approved amount.
Pregnancy and Minoxidil
Minoxidil has been assigned as an FDA
pregnancy Category C drug. Minoxidil has not been shown to cause adverse reactions in the fetus when taken during pregnancy; however, some animal tests reveal a decrease in conception rates and an increase in fetal absorption.
Do not use Minoxidil without consulting your doctor if you are pregnant. Minoxidil may cause harm to a nursing infant and
should not be used by women who are breastfeeding.
General Warnings
To be sure that you may safely use minoxidil, let your doctor know about
any health conditions you have, especially:
- any allergies you may have (particularly to minoxidil)
- if you have a history of heart disease or heart disorders
- if you have ever had liver problems
- if you have scalp disease
- if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant
Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines, supplements, vitamins and products you are using to avoid interactions.Minoxidil may increase the skin's
sensitivity to sunlight.
Avoid excess exposure to
sunlight and apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing to prevent skin damage or sunburn.
Minoxidil Treatment and Use
Minoxidil | Rogaine is a generic antihypertensive vasodilator medicine used for reversing hair loss. Minoxidil reduces thinning or loss of the hair and stimulates regrowth. Minoxidil is typically prescribed to patients who have recent hair loss and are under the age of 40.
Minoxidil does not prevent or slow receding hairlines.
Minoxidil 2% may be used for treating hair loss in women.
What is Minoxidil and How Does Minoxidil Work?
Minoxidil was first introduced in tablet form as a treatment for hypertension (high blood pressure) by dilating blood vessels. However, patients began to experience rapid hair growth. After examining these results, Upjohn Corporation created a hair growth solution from the product. The exact method of action for reversing pattern hair loss is unknown. Nonetheless, it has been shown that minoxidil has a positive effect on hair follicle cell activity.
How to Use Minoxidil
Minoxidil comes in liquid solution form to be massaged into the scalp. Women should use 2% strength solution and men should use 5%. For best results, minoxidil should be applied twice each day. Read all packaged instructions on how to properly apply minoxidil to the scalp. Be sure to use no more than the amount recommended. After applying minoxidil wash your hands thoroughly to avoid getting minoxidil in your eyes or mouth.
Minoxidil is for scalp use only, do not apply to other parts of the body. Avoid using styling products directly after applying minoxidil.
Regrowth of the hair may take up to 4 months. Let your doctor know if you notice an increase in hair loss or if your condition does not improve.
Other Names for Minoxidil
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Lawsuits & Legal Information for Minoxidil
