A-Z Indexes

Food

Health Guides

Health News

Minoxidil

This form:

Pronounced

"min-OX-id-ill"

Common brand names:

Minox, Rogaine

Uses

Minoxidil solution and foam are used to help hair growth in the treatment of male pattern baldness. It is not used for baldness at the front of the scalp or receding hairline in men. The foam and 2 percent minoxidil solution is also used to help hair growth in women with thinning hair.

Minoxidil belongs to a class of drugs known as vasodilators. It is not known how minoxidil causes hair growth. This medication is not used for sudden/patchy hair loss, unexplained hair loss (for example, if you have no family history of hair loss), or hair loss after giving birth.

Do not use this product if you are 18 years old or younger.

How to Use This Medication

Read and follow all directions on the product package before using this product. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Clean and dry the scalp area before applying the medication. You may apply this product to damp hair. To use the solution, fill the applicator with 1 milliliter of medication (to the 1 milliliter line), or use 20 drops. Part your hair in the area of thinning and apply the solution evenly to the affected area of the scalp. Gently rub in. Allow the solution to dry completely before using other styling products (such as gels, mousse) or before going to bed.

To use the foam, rinse your hands in cold water and dry well. Apply about 1/2 capful of foam to the scalp and rub in gently. Allow the foam to dry completely before styling or going to bed.

If scalp irritation is a problem, you may need to avoid using minoxidil on the same days that you have your hair colored or chemically treated (for example, permed).

Do not use on other parts of the body unless directed by your doctor. Do not use on skin that is red, painful, irritated, scraped, cut, or infected. Wash hands thoroughly after application. Avoid getting the medication in your eyes. If this occurs, rinse your eyes with large amounts of cool water.

Do not use this medication more often, apply more of it than as directed, or apply it to an irritated or sunburned scalp. Doing so can cause the drug to be absorbed into your body and result in serious side effects. This product may contain alcohol and can be irritating and drying to the scalp. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to use this product safely.

It takes time for hair to regrow. Most people need to use this medication regularly for 4 months to see benefit. This medication must be used continuously to maintain hair growth. If your condition does not improve or worsens after using this medication for 4 to 6 months, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, tell your doctor.