Rogaine

Common side effects of minoxidil include:

• irritation of the skin,
• itching,
• contact dermatitis, and
• dryness of the scalp or flaking.

Other side effects include:

• headaches,
• dizziness,
• fainting,
• lightheadedness,
• chest pain, and
• increased or decreased blood pressure.

An increase in the absorption of minoxidil from the scalp can occur in patients with damaged skin, leading to increased side effects. Minoxidil's contains alcohol that can irritate the eyes. In case of accidental contact with eyes or other sensitive areas, the exposed area should be washed with cool water. Tendonitis has also been reported.

Minoxidil should not be used in pregnancy because it has not been studied adequately in pregnant women.

Minoxidil should not be used by nursing women because it has not been evaluated adequately in nursing mothers.

Rogaine is an over the counter medication used to regrow hair in adult men and women. Rogaine belongs to a group of drugs called vasodilators. These help to regrow hair by increasing the size of shrunken hair follicles allowing normal hair growth.

This medication comes in a solution form and is applied twice daily to the scalp.

Common side effects of Rogaine include burning, stinging and redness at site of application.

Rogaine is part of the drug class:

• Other dermatologicals

Do not use minoxidil topical if the skin on your scalp is red, swollen, irritated, or infected. This may allow more of the medication to be absorbed by your body, which could be dangerous.

Check the medicine label carefully to make sure minoxidil topical will treat your specific type of hair loss.

Use only the minoxidil topical formula that is made for your gender. Women should not use minoxidil topical products that are made specifically for men.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

• heart disease.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether minoxidil topical will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether minoxidil topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use this medicine on anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Avoid getting this medicine in the eyes, nose, or mouth. If this occurs, rinse the area with water.

Avoid using other skin products on the areas you treat with minoxidil topical, unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not use Rogaine if the skin on your scalp is damaged, irritated, or sunburned. This may allow more of the medication to be absorbed by your body, which could be dangerous.

Do not use Rogaine on any part of your body other than your scalp. Application to other body parts can be dangerous.

Do not use other topical products on your scalp during treatment with Rogaine, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied minoxidil. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Applies to minoxidil topical: topical foam, topical solution

General

Minoxidil topical (the active ingredient contained in Rogaine) is generally well tolerated. Dermatological adverse events are the only side effects reported more commonly as compared to placebo.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Edema, salt and water retention, pericardial effusion, pericarditis, tamponade, tachycardia, and angina have been reported with oral minoxidil. Patients with underlying heart disease may be at increased risk for these or other cardiovascular adverse effects.[Ref]

Rarely, cardiovascular side effects have included edema, chest pain, blood pressure changes, palpitations, and changes in pulse rate with minoxidil topical therapy.[Ref]

Local

Despite low levels of systemic absorption, in one study of 35 men using either topical minoxidil 2% twice a day or placebo for 6 months, minoxidil was associated with cardiac changes, such as significant increases in left ventricular end-diastolic volume, cardiac output, and left ventricular mass.[Ref]

Systemic side effects are uncommon since very little minoxidil is absorbed after topical application. In one study, the serum levels after 2.5 mg twice a day oral versus 2% twice a day topical minoxidil were 32.8 and 1.7 ng per mL, respectively.

Exacerbation of hair loss/alopecia has been reported.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Rare cases of generalized hypertrichosis have been associated with topically applied minoxidil. Eczema, irritant dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis have also been reported.[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Nonspecific allergic reactions, hives, allergic rhinitis, facial swelling, and sensitivity to minoxidil topical (the active ingredient contained in Rogaine) have rarely been reported.[Ref]

Nervous system

Headache, dizziness, faintness, and light-headedness have been reported with minoxidil topical (the active ingredient contained in Rogaine) [Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting have been reported during treatment with minoxidil topical (the active ingredient contained in Rogaine) [Ref]

Ocular

Visual disturbances, including decreased visual acuity, have been reported.[Ref]

Some side effects of Rogaine may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.