• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?
MINOXIDIL (mi NOX i dill) is used to increase new hair growth in cases of hereditary hair loss. When applied to the scalp, this medicine can promote hair growth in men with male pattern baldness. This medicine can also help women with thin hair and frontal hair loss. Women should not use extra-strength minoxidil products.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.

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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• chest pain or palpitations
• dizziness or fainting
• skin rash, blisters, or itching
• sudden weight gain
• swelling of the hands or feet

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache
• redness, irritation and itching at the site of application
• unusual hair growth, on the face, arm, and back

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for external use on the scalp only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions that come with the product. The hair and scalp should be dry before you use this medicine. You do not need to shampoo your hair before each application. Do not use more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

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What may interact with this medicine?
Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other medicines on the scalp without asking your doctor or health care professional.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

• Known hypersensitivity to minoxidil or any ingredient in the formulation.

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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
This medicine must be used on a regular basis for your hair to regrow. It may take 2 to 4 months of regular use before you notice any improvement. It is important to continue to use this product to maintain regrowth of hair. Once you stop using it, the regrown hair will usually fall out within 3 months. If you do not see any new hair growth after 4 months, stop using this product and contact your doctor or health care professional.

Do not get this medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, or on other sensitive areas. If you do, rinse off with plenty of cool tap water. Always wash your hands after use. Do not apply if your scalp is cut, scraped, or sunburned.

Some people may notice changes in hair color or texture after using this medicine.

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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• frontal hair loss or receding hairline
• no family history of hair loss
• sudden or patchy hair loss
• unknown reason for hair loss
• your scalp is red, inflamed, infected or painful
• an unusual or allergic reaction to minoxidil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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