Type of medicine: hair growth stimulant
Generic and brand names: minoxidil, topical; Rogaine for Men; Women's Rogaine; Theroxidil
This medicine is used on the scalp to stimulate hair growth in men who are going bald. It is also used to treat hair loss in women.
Before using this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have:
You should not use Women's Rogaine, if you:
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use this medicine exactly as directed. Using too much or using it more often than directed may cause side effects if it is absorbed into your system. Usually 4 months of treatment or more are needed before evidence of regrowth is observed. If treatment is stopped, whatever hair grew back is likely to fall out.
Shampoo daily and dry your hair and scalp thoroughly. Apply the medicine with the applicator, as directed. Allow the medicine to dry on your scalp without using heat (such as a hair dryer).
This medicine is for external use only. Keep this medicine away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. If by accident it gets into your eyes, nose, or mouth, flush them with lots of cool water. If you accidentally swallow this medicine, get emergency medical care immediately.
Wash your hands after each use.
If you miss one or two applications, restart the twice-daily applications and continue on the regular schedule. Do not try to make up for missed applications by using more or using it more often.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: fainting, dizziness, confusion, irregular or fast heartbeat, headache, flushing.
This medicine should only be used on the scalp. The risk of side effects may be greater if it is applied to other parts of the body.
Your healthcare provider may want to see you regularly to check your progress and look for signs of absorption into your system.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Flushing, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, headache, dizziness, sudden unexplained weight gain, swollen hands or feet, unwanted facial hair.
Other: Scalp irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light. This medicine contains alcohol. Do not use it near an open flame or while smoking. Do not use a hair dryer after applying this medicine. Keep this medicine away from medicines that are taken by mouth.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
