Minoxidil Drug Information

Minoxidil Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Foam, External:

Rogaine Mens: 5% (60 g) [contains cetyl alcohol, sd alcohol 40b]

Rogaine Womens: 5% (60 g) [contains cetyl alcohol, sd alcohol 40b]

Solution, External:

Hair Regrowth Treatment Men: 5% (60 mL) [contains alcohol, usp, propylene glycol]

Minoxidil for Men: 2% (60 mL); 5% (60 mL)

Rogaine Mens Extra Strength: 5% (60 mL) [contains alcohol, usp, propylene glycol]

Rogaine Womens: 2% (60 mL) [contains alcohol, usp, propylene glycol]

Generic: 2% (60 mL); 5% (60 mL)

Brand Names: U.S.

• Hair Regrowth Treatment Men [OTC]
• Minoxidil for Men [OTC]
• Rogaine Mens Extra Strength [OTC]
• Rogaine Mens [OTC]
• Rogaine Womens [OTC]

Pharmacologic Category

• Topical Skin Product

Pharmacology

Stimulation of hair growth is secondary to vasodilation, increased cutaneous blood flow, and stimulation of resting hair follicles.

Use: Labeled Indications

Alopecia: Treatment of alopecia androgenetica of the scalp

Contraindications

OTC labeling: When used for self-medication, do not use if your degree of hair loss is different than that shown on the product labeling; if you have no family history of hair loss; if your hair loss is sudden and/or patchy; if your hair loss is associated with childbirth; if you do not know the reason for your hair loss; in pediatric patients <18 years; if your scalp is red, inflamed, infected, irritated, or painful; or you use other medicines on the scalp. Do not use products on women that are labeled for use on men.

Dosing: Adult

Alopecia: Topical: Note: Continuous therapy for 4 months may be necessary for hair growth.

Females:

Foam, aerosol 5%: Apply ¹/₂ capful once daily

Solution 2%: Apply 1 mL twice daily

Males:

Foam, aerosol 5%: Apply ¹/₂ capful twice daily

Solution 2% or 5%: Apply 1 mL twice daily

Dosing: Renal Impairment

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling

Dosing: Hepatic Impairment

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling

Administration

Topical: For topical administration on the scalp only; do not use on other parts of the body. Apply directly to the hair- thinning areas of scalp; massage into scalp with fingers; wash hands after application. Refer to manufacturer’s labeling for additional administration instructions.

Foam: May melt upon contact with warm fingers; rinse fingers in cold water and thoroughly dry prior to use

Storage

Foam: Store at 20°C to 25°C. Do not puncture or incinerate container. Do not expose to heat or store at temperatures >49°C.

Solution: Store at 20°C to 25°C .

Drug Interactions

CycloSPORINE (Systemic): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Minoxidil (Topical). Specifically, hypertrichosis risk may be increased. Monitor therapy

Adverse Reactions

Dermatologic: Local erythema (6%), pruritus (6%)

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.