Wisdom tooth Other area Minoxidil - What are the side effects
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Minoxidil

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Alopecia Agent Regaine Adult

Minoxidil - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Minoxidil cause?

  • ​Scalp irritation, including dryness, scaling, itching and/or redness
    • Decrease the dose or frequency of application
    • Stop the medication and consult your doctor if redness or irritation continues
  • Temporary hair loss (this may occur in the first 1 to 2 months of treatment)
    • Stop the medication if this continues for more than 2 months
  • Unwanted face or body hair
    • Avoid dripping the medication over the face and forehead
    • You may consider using a lower concentration of the medication
    • If these symptoms do not go away, consult your doctor

Before taking Minoxidil , what precautions must I follow?

​Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to the medication or any of the other ingredients of the medication e.g. propylene glycol or ethanol (alcohol).
  • You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
  • You have high blood pressure or heart problems
  • Your scalp is inflamed, irritated, infected or sunburned. It should be treated first before using this medication

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Minoxidil ?

Minoxidil - Additional Information

​The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body 

In rare cases, Minoxidil can be absorbed into the skin and cause these side effects:

  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Headache
  • Fast/irregular heartbeat
  • Swelling of face, lips, hands or feet
  • Unusual weight gain

If you experience any of these symptoms, stop the medication and consult your doctor immediately.

  • Updated on
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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