Men's Hair Regrowth Treatment (minoxidil)

When the dropper applicator is used as directed, the applicator delivers 1 mL of minoxidil topical solution (20 or 50 mg of minoxidil in the 2 or 5% solution, respectively). When the metered-spray or extender-spray applicator is used, delivery of a 1-mL dose requires pumping the spray attachment 6 times (i.e., with approximately 3.3 or 8.3 mg of drug per metered spray with the 2 or 5% solution, respectively). When used as directed, each bottle of minoxidil topical solution should last 25-30 days provided substantial amounts of solution are not lost during applicator changes.

Minoxidil solution is applied topically to the scalp. Twice-daily application appears to be necessary for optimum results. Individuals receiving topical minoxidil therapy should be carefully instructed regarding proper use of the solution. To obtain optimum results, these individuals should be given a copy of the instructions provided by the manufacturers.

Topical minoxidil solution is applied to the total affected areas of the scalp using one of the applicators provided by the manufacturers (i.e., metered-spray applicator, extender spray applicator, dropper applicator). The manufacturers' patient information should be consulted for specific methods of application. Individuals being treated for androgenetic alopecia should be advised that because of the risk of adverse systemic effects, the topical preparation is intended for application to the scalp only and should not be applied to other areas of the body.

Prior to application of minoxidil topical solution, the hair and scalp should be dry. Individuals applying minoxidil topical solution with their fingertips should be instructed to wash their hands thoroughly afterward. When the metered-spray or extender-spray applicator is used, inhalation of the spray mist should be avoided.

There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.

There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.

There are no severe interactions for this drug.

There are no moderate interactions for this drug.

There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.

• Dermatosis of the scalp

There are no severe contraindications for this drug.

There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.

There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.

Less Frequent

• Dermatitis due to topical drug
• Pruritus of skin
• Skin rash
• Urticaria

Rare or Very Rare

• Abnormal sexual function
• Alopecia
• Angioedema
• Body fluid retention
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Eczema
• Edema
• Folliculitis
• Head sensation disturbance
• Headache disorder
• Hypotension
• Neuralgia
• Reduced visual acuity
• Tachycardia
• Visual changes

Less Frequent

• Dry skin
• Erythema

Rare or Very Rare

• Vasodilation of blood vessels

No enhanced messaging available.

No enhanced messaging available.

Although there are no adequate and controlled studies to date in humans receiving oral or topical minoxidil, orally administered minoxidil has been associated with evidence of increased fetal resorption in rabbits, but not rats, when given at dosages 5 times the maximum recommended human oral antihypertensive dosage. There was no evidence of teratogenic effects of orally administered minoxidil in rats or rabbits. There was no evidence of teratogenic effects in rats receiving subcutaneous minoxidil dosages of 80 mg/kg daily (about 2000 times the maximal systemic human exposure achieved with daily administration of topical minoxidil); however, maternal toxicity was observed with this dosage. Evidence of developmental toxicity was observed in rats receiving subcutaneous dosages exceeding 80 mg/kg daily. For additional information on the potential risks of oral minoxidil therapy during pregnancy, see Cautions: Pregnancy, Fertility, and Lactation, in Minoxidil 24:08.20. The effects of the drug on labor and delivery are not known.

Minoxidil is distributed into milk after oral administration. Because of the potential for serious adverse effects in nursing infants if topically applied drug were absorbed percutaneously and distributed into breast milk, the manufacturer recommends that minoxidil topical solution not be administered to nursing women.

No enhanced messaging available.