Rogaine

Minoxidil Drug Information

• Rogaine Overview

  Minoxidil solution and foam are used to help hair growth in the treatment of male pattern baldness. It is not used for baldness at the front of the scalp or receding hairline in men. The foam and 2 percent minoxidil solution is also used to help hair growth in women with thinning hair. Minoxidil belongs to a class of drugs known as vasodilators. It is not known how minoxidil causes hair growth. Rogaine is not used for sudden/patchy hair loss, unexplained hair loss (for example, if you have no family history of hair loss), or hair loss after giving birth. Do not use Rogaine if you are 18 years old or younger.

• How to Use Rogaine

  Read and follow all directions on the product package before using Rogaine. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Clean and dry the scalp area before applying the medication. You may apply Rogaine to damp hair. To use the solution, fill the applicator with 1 milliliter of medication (to the 1 milliliter line), or use 20 drops. Part your hair in the area of thinning and apply the solution evenly to the affected area of the scalp. Gently rub in. Allow the solution to dry completely before using other styling products (e.g., gels, mousse) or before going to bed. To use the foam, rinse your hands in cold water and dry well. Apply about 1/2 capful of foam to the scalp and rub in gently. Allow the foam to dry completely before styling or going to bed. If scalp irritation is a problem, you may need to avoid using minoxidil on the same days that you have your hair colored or chemically treated (for example, permed). Do not use on other parts of the body unless directed by your doctor. Do not use on skin that is red, painful, irritated, scraped, cut, or infected. Wash hands thoroughly after application. Avoid getting the medication in your eyes. If this occurs, rinse your eyes with large amounts of cool water. Do not use Rogaine more often, apply more of it than as directed, or apply it to an irritated or sunburned scalp. Doing so can cause the drug to be absorbed into your body and result in serious side effects. Rogaine may contain alcohol and can be irritating and drying to the scalp. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to use Rogaine safely. It takes time for hair to regrow. Most people need to use Rogaine regularly for 4 months to see benefit. Rogaine must be used continuously to maintain hair growth. If your condition does not improve or worsens after using Rogaine for 4 to 6 months, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, tell your doctor.

• Rogaine Precautions

  Before using minoxidil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Rogaine may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. If you have any of the following health problems,diseases of the scalp (e.g., eczema, infection, cuts), heart problems (e.g., chest pain, heart attack, heart failure), kidney disease, liver disease. During pregnancy, Rogaine should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether Rogaine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Rogaine Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Rogaine, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Rogaine Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.drugs for high blood pressure (e.g., guanethidine), drugs that interact with alcohol (e.g., disulfiram, metronidazole).

• Rogaine Side Effects

  What are Rogaine side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Rogaine may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Rogaine as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Rogaine

  The side effects of Rogaine may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Rogaine. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Rogaine may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Rogaine, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Rogaine.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Rogaine, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Rogaine and the side effects associated with Rogaine are described in the following:

  Common Rogaine Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  Less Frequent Rogaine Side Effects

  Severe

  • dermatitis due to topical drug
  • pruritus of skin
  • urticaria
  • skin rash

  Less Severe

  • erythema
  • dry skin

  Rare or Very Rare Rogaine Side Effects

  Severe

  • body fluid retention
  • abnormal sexual function
  • visual changes
  • reduced visual acuity
  • cardiac arrhythmia
  • hypotension
  • eczema
  • alopecia
  • folliculitis
  • neuralgia
  • dizziness
  • head sensation disturbance
  • edema
  • headache disorder
  • angioedema
  • chest pain
  • tachycardia

  Less Severe

  • vasodilation of blood vessels

• Rogaine Storage

  Store at room temperature away from heat. Rogaine is flammable. Keep it away from fire, and avoid open flame after treatment until the medication has completely dried. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Rogaine when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.