minoxidil non-prescription
Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a topical over-the-counter (OTC) product that can regrow and thicken hair in people with hereditary hair loss, but it might not work for everyone. It's applied to the scalp, typically twice daily. You might need to use it regularly for 2 to 4 months before you can notice results. Minoxidil (Rogaine) comes in two different strengths (minoxidil 2% and 5%), as well as different formulations, such as foam, topical solution, and spray.
What is Minoxidil (Rogaine)?
What is Minoxidil (Rogaine) used for?
- Male-pattern or female-pattern hair loss
How Minoxidil (Rogaine) works
Drug facts
More on Minoxidil (Rogaine) essentials
Side effects of Minoxidil (Rogaine)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Less Common Side Effects
More on Minoxidil (Rogaine) side effects
The following Minoxidil (Rogaine) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Change in hair color or texture
- Dizziness
- Irritation at application site
- Unexpected hair growth
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Pros and cons of Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Pros
- Available over-the-counter (OTC)
- Also available as a lower-cost generic product
- Only need to apply it twice a day
- Most side effects occur only where the medication is applied
- Foam is unscented, so shouldn't make your hair smell
Cons
- Might change hair color or texture
- Commonly causes temporary hair loss for first 2 weeks
- Doesn't work on hair loss that is due to medications (for example chemotherapy), nutritional problems, or medical conditions
- Need to continue to apply regularly to see results (hair loss restarts after stopping treatment)
Pharmacist tips for Minoxidil (Rogaine)
- Follow the instructions on the box of your minoxidil product for specific instructions. In general, apply the medication direction to your scalp and not to your hair. Spread just enough foam or solution over your hair loss area, and gently massage the foam or solution into your scalp until all the medication is gone.
- Make sure to wash your hands before and after use. If you accidentally get minoxidil (Rogaine) in your eyes, rinse them with large amounts of cool tap water.
- The amount of hair regrowth is different for each person. Minoxidil (Rogaine) might not work for everyone. Check the side of the carton to see if your hair loss matches the hair loss pictures provided.
- During the first 2 weeks of use, you might notice more hair shedding. This is a sign that minoxidil (Rogaine) is working and new hair is growing and replacing the old hair.
- Most people notice hair regrowth after a 2 to 4 months of consistent use of minoxidil (Rogaine). If you don't notice results within 4 months, contact your provider.
- Don't use minoxidil (Rogaine) more than 2 times daily (or as directed on the product instructions). Using it more often won't lead to more hair growth.
- Avoid using minoxidil (Rogaine) if you're pregnant or breastfeeding because this could be harmful to your unborn baby.
Common questions about Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Yes, studies show that minoxidil (Rogaine) does help to regrow hair in people who have hereditary (because of genetics) hair thinning or loss that begins at the top of their scalp. It might not work for people with patchy hair loss, or hair loss that's caused by another medication.
If you want to keep the new hair you've grown after starting minoxidil (Rogaine), you'll have to continue to use it. If you stop minoxidil (Rogaine), your new hair can start to fall out after a few months.
Some people experience hair shedding the first couple of weeks after starting minoxidil (Rogaine). Hair shedding is what happens when old hair falls out to make room for new hair growth. This shedding should go away if you keep using minoxidil (Rogaine). If it continues longer than 2 weeks, talk with your healthcare provider.
Check the manufacturer's label for your minoxidil product to see if you need to wait a certain amount of time after applying the product before you can go swimming. For some products, you'll need to wait least 4 hours after application before you can go swimming. And after swimming, you'll need to wait until your scalp is dry before applying minoxidil (Rogaine) again. Also, don't let your scalp get wet from the rain after applying minoxidil (Rogaine).
If you forget to apply minoxidil (Rogaine), just wait until your next scheduled dose. Don't put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. Missing one day won't affect your hair regrowth.
Yes. As long as your hair loss is genetic, meaning you a family history of hair thinning or loss that begins at the top of the scalp; this is often called "male pattern baldness" but can happen in males and females. If your hair loss is due to postpartum, menopause, or some other condition, minoxidil (Rogaine) likely won't work for you. Keep in mind that certain minoxidil products might be labeled as specific for males or females. Ask your provider if you need help finding a product that's right for you.
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Risks and warnings for Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Minoxidil (Rogaine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Possible risk of heart problems
- Risk factors: Heart problems
Though rare, minoxidil (Rogaine) might affect your heart. People who apply minoxidil (Rogaine) topically for hair thinning is less likely to experience this side effect compared to people who take minoxidil by mouth for high blood pressure. To be safe, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have heart problems. Stop using minoxidil (Rogaine) and speak to your doctor if you notice chest pain, dizziness, or a fast heartbeat.
Not for other types of hair loss
It's important that you read the label information carefully before use. You shouldn't use minoxidil (Rogaine) if you have a different amount of hair loss than what is shown on the product box or if your hair loss is on the front of the scalp. You should also not use minoxidil (Rogaine) if you have no family history of hair loss, if your hair loss is sudden and/or patchy, or if you don't know the reason for your hair loss.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Minoxidil (Rogaine) can be harmful to you and your unborn baby if used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using it if you're pregnant, have plans on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Flammable
Some forms of minoxidil (Rogaine) are flammable, meaning it can catch fire easily. It's best you avoid smoking or being near fire or open flames right after using minoxidil (Rogaine).
Keep out of reach of children
Minoxidil (Rogaine) isn't approved for use in children, and it can be dangerous if it's swallowed accidentally. If your child swallows this medication, get medical help or contact your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
Minoxidil (Rogaine) dosage
Typical dosage for Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Different minoxidil products can differ in strengths and formulations, and have different application instructions. To make sure you're applying your product safely, read the product label and follow the manufacturer's directions carefully.
Some examples include:
- Minoxidil 5% foam: Apply one-half capful topically to the affected area on the scalp twice a day. Massage product into the scalp.
- Minoxidil 2% spray: Apply 6 sprays topically to the affected area on the scalp twice a day.
- Minoxidil 2% topical solution: Apply 1 mL topically to the affected area on the scalp twice a day.
How much does Minoxidil (Rogaine) cost?
$6.92
Minoxidil (Rogaine) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Minoxidil (Rogaine) will not be safe for you to take.
- You have no family history of hair loss
- Your hair loss is sudden and/or patchy
- Children under 18 years of age
- Your scalp is red, inflamed, infected, irritated, or painful
- Use with other medications on the scalp
What are alternatives to Minoxidil (Rogaine)?
