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Overview: Topical minoxidil is a medicine used to help regrow the hair on your scalp. It works by increasing the blood flow to your hair and helps stimulate your hair follicles to grow. The most common side effects are excessive hair growth, initial hair loss, scalp irritation, and dizziness. Serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions, heart problems, weight gain, and unwanted hair growth.

Uses

What is topical minoxidil used for?

Topical minoxidil is commonly used for hair loss to regrow hair on the scalp. 

Topical minoxidil may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

Minoxidil is also available in a form that is taken by mouth. See Minoxidil for more information. 

How does topical minoxidil work (mechanism of action)?

Topical minoxidil is believed to work by increasing blood flow to your hair follicles and stimulating your hair follicles, which helps your hair grow.

How is topical minoxidil supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Rogaine

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 2%, 5% topical solution
  • 5% topical foam

How should I store topical minoxidil?

Topical minoxidil should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the medicine away from fire or flame. The foam preparations come in a can that is under pressure. Do not expose the cans to temperatures above 120 F (49 C).

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical minoxidil?

The most common side effects of topical minoxidil are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Excessive hair growth 
  • Scalp irritation (see below)
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Initial hair loss

There may be other side effects of topical minoxidil that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical minoxidil?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical minoxidil are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical minoxidil may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical minoxidil and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Heart or Blood Vessel Problems. Topical minoxidil may cause heart or blood vessel problems including chest pain, fast heartbeat, dizziness, swelling of your feet or hands, or may cause you to faint. Stop using topical minoxidil and call your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms. 

Weight Gain. Topical minoxidil may cause you to gain weight. Stop using topical minoxidil and call your healthcare provider if you have gained weight while using minoxidil. 

Scalp Irritation. Topical minoxidil may cause scalp irritation, including redness or burning. Stop using topical minoxidil and call your healthcare provider if you have scalp irritation. 

Unwanted Hair Growth. Topical minoxidil may cause unwanted hair to grow on your face. Stop using topical minoxidil and call your healthcare provider if this happens. 

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical minoxidil?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical minoxidil.

  • Minoxidil
  • Rogaine
  • Theroxidil
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical minoxidil products they stock.

Certain Degree of Hair Loss. Do not use topical minoxidil if any of the following criteria apply to you. 

  • Have hair loss that is different than what is shown on the carton
  • Have no family history of hair loss
  • Have sudden hair loss or hair loss that is patchy
  • Have hair loss from childbirth 
  • Unknown reason for hair loss

Scalp Problems. Do not use topical minoxidil if your scalp is red, inflamed, irritated, painful, or infected. 

Children. Do not use topical minoxidil if you are younger than 18 years of age.

What should I know about topical minoxidil before using it?

Follow the instructions that come with topical minoxidil. Do not use more than what is instructed. Using more topical minoxidil or using it more often will not improve your results. Topical minoxidil may not work right away. Stop using topical minoxidil and call your healthcare provider if you do not see your hair regrow after four to six months. 

Keep topical minoxidil out of the reach of children.

Topical minoxidil is only applied to the scalp. Do not apply topical minoxidil on other parts of your body. If you get topical minoxidil in your eyes, rinse your eyes with cool tap water. 

You may have changes in your hair color or hair texture while using topical minoxidil. 

Topical minoxidil is flammable. During application of this medicine and right afterwards, avoid fire, flames, or smoking. The foam products come in a can that is under pressure. Do not pierce, puncture, or burn the can. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using topical minoxidil?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical minoxidil is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Heart Disease. If you have heart disease, talk to your healthcare provider before you start using topical minoxidil. 

Pregnancy. Topical minoxidil may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Topical minoxidil may pass into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does topical minoxidil interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical minoxidil and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between topical minoxidil and alcohol.

Does topical minoxidil interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any other medicine on your scalp. 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with topical minoxidil. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical minoxidil?

If you or someone else has used too much topical minoxidil, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical minoxidil?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.