What is Minoxidil used for?

Minoxidil is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Androgenetic alopecia (evidence tier A), Anti-aging and longevity (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.

What are the side effects of Minoxidil?

Common side effects of Minoxidil (≥ 1 in 100): Topical: scalp irritation, itching, scaling, contact dermatitis, facial hypertrichosis (1-3%), Telogen effluvium in the first 2-8 weeks, Oral: facial and body hypertrichosis (60-90%), lower limb edema, tachycardia, headache. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.

Is Minoxidil safe during pregnancy?

FDA category C. Contraindicated in pregnancy: animal teratogenicity; oral form is FDA category C.

Is Minoxidil compatible with breastfeeding?

Contraindicated during breastfeeding: minoxidil is excreted in breast milk.

Who should not take Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity; Pregnancy and breastfeeding; Age under 18; Active scalp dermatoses (for topical form); Severe cardiovascular disease (for oral form). Full list in the Safety section.

Minoxidil

AEMPS

Other dermatologicals (topical); peripheral vasodilators (systemic)

ATC code: D11AX01 (Minoxidil (topical))

Brand names

Rogaine, Regaine, Loniten

Mechanism of action

Minoxidil is an ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener and vasodilator. The exact mechanism of hair growth stimulation is unknown. Hypothesized mechanisms include increased perifollicular blood flow, anagen phase prolongation, and follicular widening. Topical minoxidil (2% and 5%) was -approved in 1988 for androgenetic alopecia. Oral minoxidil was historically used for severe resistant hypertension; since 2017-2020 low-dose oral minoxidil (0.25-5 mg/day) has been revived in dermatology as off-label therapy for alopecia.

Indications

Androgenetic alopecia

First line

Topical minoxidil is first-line therapy for male and female androgenetic alopecia. Cochrane meta-analysis (van Zuuren 2016, 12 RCTs, n=3927) confirms significant hair count and patient satisfaction increases at 6-12 months. In men, 5% solution/foam outperforms 2%. Low-dose oral minoxidil (0.25-5 mg/day) has been studied since 2017: Vañó-Galván 2021 RCT (n=104) and multiple retrospective series show hair density gains comparable to topical, in patients intolerant or unresponsive to topical. The main side effect of oral minoxidil is facial hypertrichosis (60-90%). and BAD guidelines list topical minoxidil as first-line; low-dose oral minoxidil as second-line off-label.

Minoxidil

Mechanism of action

Indications

Androgenetic alopecia

Marketing claims without evidence base

Anti-aging and longevity

Practical notes

Russian practice note

Drug interactions

Check interaction with another drug

Official sources

Safety

Contraindications

Serious adverse effects

Common adverse effects

PregnancyFDA C

Breastfeeding

Frequently asked