Minoxidil topical

ROGAINE

Open Minoxidil topical in the interactive console ↗

Pronunciation: mi-NOX-i-dil

Minoxidil topical ballicule: receptor binding, kinetics and half-life diagram — Mechanism of action: Minoxidil topical ballicule

Minoxidil topical Rogaine mascot mnemonic cartoon — Visual mnemonic: Minoxidil topical mascot
**“Mining ox dilator”**

What it isTopical KATP-channel opener that promotes follicular growth; androgenetic alopecia.

Why this oneThe famous side effect turned indication: the oral vasodilator's hypertrichosis, bottled. Follicular sulfotransferase activates it to minoxidil sulfate at the target.

What limits itInitial shedding, scalp irritation, and unwanted facial hair can end the trial; gains recede after discontinuation.

Minoxidil topical molecular structure (skeletal formula) — Molecular structure: Minoxidil topical

FDA-approved for

androgenetic alopecia (1988)

FDA label

Read the full label on DailyMed ↗

FDA dosing	Population	Start	Target	Max
Regrow hair on top of scalp (vertex only)	Men ≥18 yr	1 mL to scalp hair-loss area BID	1 mL BID	1 mL BID — using more or more often will not improve results

Renal Undefined

Hepatic Undefined

Not intended for frontal baldness or receding hairline

Instructions

Apply 1 mL with dropper directly onto the scalp in the hair-loss area, twice a day
Continued use necessary to increase and keep regrowth, or hair loss begins again
Results may appear at 2 months (BID use); some men need ≥4 months
External use only; flammable — keep away from fire/flame; do not apply to other body parts; avoid eye contact (rinse with cool water if contact)

Available strengths

sol 2, 5 %
tab 2.5, 10 mg
cream 5 g/100 g
foam 5 %
shampoo 5 g/100 mL
spray 5 g/100 mL
spray 20 mg/mL

Contraindications

Women (this 5% men's product)
Under 18 years of age; do not use on babies and children
Hair loss pattern different from carton illustration, frontal/receding hairline loss, sudden/patchy loss, unknown cause, or no family history of hair loss
Scalp that is red, inflamed, infected, irritated, or painful
Concurrent use of other medicines on the scalp

Cautions

Ask a doctor before use if you have heart disease
Stop and ask a doctor: chest pain, rapid heartbeat, faintness or dizziness; sudden unexplained weight gain; swelling of hands/feet; scalp irritation or redness; unwanted facial hair growth; no regrowth in 4 months
Some users experience changes in hair color and/or texture
May be harmful if used when pregnant or breast-feeding
If swallowed, get medical help or contact Poison Control immediately

Adverse reactions

Scalp irritation/redness
Unwanted facial hair growth
Cardiovascular: chest pain, rapid heartbeat, faintness, dizziness; fluid signs (weight gain, hand/foot swelling) — stop-use triggers

Pregnancy May be harmful if used when pregnant (OTC warning)

Lactation May be harmful if used when breast-feeding (OTC warning)

Cost

Minoxidil topical (ROGAINE)

Strength		#/mo	generic $/unit	CostPlus
2 %	sol	per unit		not offered
5 %	sol	per unit		not offered

NADAC is a voluntary CMS survey of what retail community pharmacies pay for the drugs they stock. Minoxidil topical is dispensed outside retail pharmacies, so it rarely appears on surveyed invoices.

Other forms: Minoxidil oral (LONITEN)

NO BOXED WARNINGS

Principal riskSystemic absorption: stop for chest pain, rapid heartbeat or dizziness