Men's Rogaine (Topical)

Minoxidil applied to the scalp helps to promote hair growth in adult men and women with a specific type of baldness. The exact way this medicine works is not known.

If hair growth happens with minoxidil, it usually starts after using the medicine for several months and lasts only while the medicine is being used. Hair loss will start again within a few months after stopping minoxidil treatment.

In the U.S., this medicine can be purchased without a prescription.

It is important for your doctor to check your progress at regular visits to ensure that this medicine is working properly and to look for any unwanted effects.

Let your doctor know if you experience ongoing itching, redness, or burning on your scalp after applying minoxidil. If the itching, redness, or burning is severe, wash off the medicine and consult your doctor before using it again.

Hair loss may continue for 2 weeks after you start using minoxidil. Inform your doctor if your hair loss persists after 2 weeks. Also, notify your doctor if you do not see any increase in hair growth after using minoxidil for 4 months.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to think about the risks and benefits. For this medicine, consider the following:

Allergies

Let your doctor know if you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, inform your healthcare professional about any other allergies you have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

There have not been appropriate studies on how topical minoxidil affects children. We do not know if it is safe and effective for them.

Geriatric

Studies so far have not shown any specific problems for older adults that would limit the use of topical minoxidil. However, research indicates that the medicine works best in younger patients with a short history of hair loss. Minoxidil has not been studied in patients over 65 years old.

Breast Feeding

Research suggests that this medicine poses minimal risk to infants when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while others can be used together even if interactions might happen. In these cases, your doctor may adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken at the same time as certain foods or types of food because interactions may occur. Drinking alcohol or using tobacco with certain medicines can also cause interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Other medical issues may affect how you can use this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Any other skin problems, irritation, or sunburn on the scalp—These conditions may cause too much topical minoxidil to be absorbed into the body and may increase the risk of side effects.

• Heart disease or
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)—Topical minoxidil has not been studied in patients with these conditions, but using more medicine than recommended over a large area may lead to serious problems if too much minoxidil is absorbed into the body.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

• Itching or skin rash (continued)

Rare

• Acne at site of application
• burning of scalp
• facial hair growth
• increased hair loss
• inflammation or soreness at root of hair
• reddened skin
• swelling of face

Signs and symptoms of too much medicine being absorbed into the body—Rare

• Blurred vision or other changes in vision
• chest pain
• dizziness
• fainting
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• flushing
• headache
• lightheadedness
• numbness or tingling of hands, feet, or face
• swelling of face, hands, feet, or lower legs
• weight gain (rapid)

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Men's Rogaine
• Rogaine
• Rogaine For Men Extra Strength
• Women's Rogaine

In Canada

• Apo-Gain
• Gen-Minoxidol
• Hairgro
• Hair Regrowth Treatment
• Med Minoxidil
• Minox

Available Dosage Forms:

• Foam
• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Alopecia Agent

This medicine usually comes with patient instructions. It is important that you read the instructions carefully.

It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of it being absorbed through the skin. For the same reason, do not apply minoxidil to other parts of your body. Absorption into the body may affect the heart and blood vessels and cause unwanted effects.

Do not use any other skin products on the same skin area on which you use minoxidil. Hair coloring, hair permanents, and hair relaxers may be used during minoxidil therapy as long as the scalp is washed just before applying the hair coloring, permanent, or relaxer. Minoxidil should not be used 24 hours before and after the hair treatment procedure. Be sure to not double your doses of minoxidil to make up for any missed doses.

To apply minoxidil topical solution:

• Make sure your hair and scalp are completely dry before applying this medicine.
• Apply the amount prescribed to the area of the scalp being treated, beginning in the center of the area. Follow your doctor's instructions on how to apply the solution, using the applicator provided.
• Do not shampoo your hair for 4 hours after applying minoxidil.
• Immediately after using this medicine, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
• Do not use a hairdryer to dry the scalp after you apply minoxidil solution. Blowing with a hairdryer on the scalp may make the treatment less effective.
• Allow the minoxidil to completely dry for 2 to 4 hours after applying it, including before going to bed. Minoxidil can stain clothing, hats, or bed linen if your hair or scalp is not fully dry after using the medicine.
• Avoid transferring the medicine while wet to other parts of the body. This can occur if the medicine gets on your pillowcase or bed linens or if your hands are not washed after applying minoxidil.

To apply minoxidil topical foam:

• Open the container by matching the arrow on can ring with the arrow on cap. Pull off the cap.
• Part the hair into one or more rows to expose the hair thinning area on the scalp.
• Hold the can upside down and press the nozzle to put foam on your fingers.
• Use your fingers to spread the foam over the hair loss area and gently massage into your scalp.
• Immediately after using this medicine, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.

If your scalp becomes abraded, irritated, or sunburned, check with your doctor before applying minoxidil.

Minoxidil topical foam or solution is for use on the scalp only. Keep this medicine away from the eyes, nose, and mouth. If you should accidentally get some in your eyes, nose, or mouth, flush the area thoroughly with cool tap water. If you are using the pump spray, be careful not to breathe in the spray.

Do not use the foam near heat or open flame, or while smoking. Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol can.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For hair growth: For topical solution dosage form: Adults—Apply 1 milliliter (mL) to the scalp two times a day. Children—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor. For topical foam dosage form: Adults—Apply half a capful to the scalp two times a day. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Flammable: Keep away from fire or flame.

• Does minoxidil work for beards?