Minoxidil
Molecule Description
Minoxidil is a blood vessel dilator used for the treatment of high blood pressure and hair growth on the scalp when administered locally.
Uses of Minoxidil
- Severe high blood pressure (causing damage to vital organs)
- Scalp hair growth (only topical applications)
Contraindications of Minoxidil
When should one not use Minoxidil
- If you are allergic to this medicine
- If you have a personal or family history of prostate or breast cancer
- If your high blood pressure is caused by hormones from a tumour
Side effects of Minoxidil
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rash
- Breast pain
- Changes in facial hair
- Fast heartbeats
- Itching, hives and rash
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Chest pain
- Swelling of legs and feet
- Weight gain, breathlessness
- Dizziness
- Side effects of topical applications are:
- Scalp irritation
- Increased facial hair
Precautions and Warnings of Minoxidil
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Minoxidil during pregnancy?
A:
Do not use this medicine in pregnancy as it may affect the baby.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Minoxidil while breastfeeding?
A:
This medicine passes into breast milk hence not recommended in breastfeeding.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Minoxidil?
A:
Taking this medicine may lead to cause dizziness, especially when you first start the treatment or your dose is increased.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Minoxidil?
A:
Drinking alcohol may lead to cause more dizziness.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- Inform your doctor before having surgery regarding all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs and herbal products)
- Do not take this medicine in two hours before your dialysis session. Take it after the dialysis otherwise more than two hours before
Mode of Action of Minoxidil
How Does It Work?
Minoxidil is a blood vessel (vasodilator) medicine, thereby decreasing the blood pressure. It also improves blood flow to the scalp, leading to improved hair follicle functioning which stimulates hair growth.
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Interactions of Minoxidil
Interactions with other medicines
No drug interactions are known as such but inform your physician about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines that you are taking.
Interactions with food items
No specific interactions with food have been reported yet.
Dietary Restrictions of Minoxidil
No information is available on dietary restrictions while you are taking Minoxidil, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.
Dosage of Minoxidil
Overdose
Overdose may lead to very low blood pressure leading to fainting or dizziness or more severe complications like rapid heartbeats, fluid overload in the body, collection of fluid around the lungs and coma.
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Missed a Dose
Take the missed dose as early as you remember. Skip the missed dose and do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY

Dr. Mahesh Muthe
MBBS
REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking Minoxidil?
- Inform the doctor about your detailed medical and surgical history or if you are pregnant, lactating or planning a pregnancy
- Inform your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- Kidney disease
- Heart disorders like angina, congestive heart disease
- Migraine
- Epilepsy
- Adrenal gland tumor
- Personal or family history of breast or prostate cancer
- Inform your doctor if you see sudden gain of 25-30 kg weight in a short span after having started using this medicine
Q: When and how to consume the medicine?
- Minoxidil should be taken in the exact dose as advised by the physician
- Overdose of Minoxidil can cause serious heart problems
- Continue the medicine even after you are feeling well
- Do not stop the medication in between
- Keep a check on your weight, if you happen to gain 25 kg in a short span then inform your physician
- Topical use of Minoxidil –
- Dry your hair and scalp before the application of the medicine
- Apply only the recommended dosage as advised by your doctor
- Do not apply more than the recommended dose as it may lead to side effects
- It may take up to 4 months to see visible hair growth
- Make sure the medicine does not enter your eyes
References
Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)
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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts. Please click here for detailed T&C.
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