Minoxidil

Molecule Description

Minoxidil is a blood vessel dilator used for the treatment of high blood pressu

re and hair growth on the scalp when administered locally.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

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

Can I take Minoxidil during pregnancy?

Do not use this medicine in pregnancy as it may affect the baby.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Minoxidil while breastfeeding?

This medicine passes into breast milk hence not recommended in breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Minoxidil?

Taking this medicine may lead to cause dizziness, especially when you first start the treatment or your dose is increased.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Minoxidil?

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...

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 c...

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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