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What
are the side effects of minoxidil
Some people get benefit from minoxidil, others don't. It seems
to work better in women than in men. Minoxidil is much better at
helping people retain and improve the hair they have than in growing
new hair. In people with fine hair, the combination of regrowth
plus "deminiaturization" of the existing hair can provide
an acceptable cosmetic result about 40-50% of the time.
Common cutaneous adverse reactions include; erythema, scaling,
pruritus, dermatitis, itching or skin rash. Sunburn should be avoided
while using minoxidil as some dermatologists have suggested minoxidil
exacerbates the tissue damage.
Rare events include; acne at site of application, burning of the
scalp, increased hair loss, inflammation or soreness at root of
hair, reddened skin, swelling of the face, and an intolerance to
tobacco.
Usually, topical minoxidil will only act within the skin, but sometimes
minoxidil will enter the blood stream and in doing so could have
systemic effects. Signs and symptoms of too much medicine being
absorbed into the body include:
Blurred vision or other changes in vision, chest pain, decrease
of sexual ability or desire, fast or irregular heartbeat, flushing,
headache, lightheadedness, numbness or tingling of hands, feet,
or face, swelling of face, hands, feet, or lower legs, and rapid
weight gain.
Some women (and very rarely some men) may experience hair growth
in areas where minoxidil was not applied. This excess hair growth
can occur anywhere on the body but most typically it occurs on the
face (cheeks and forehead), or on the arms. The excess hair growth
is fully reversible if treatment is discontinued once the side effect
is noted.
There have been no reports of adverse action of minoxidil in pregnant
women. However, minoxidil has been found in the breast milk of minoxidil
users. Generally dermatologists recommend pregnant women should
not use minoxidil.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients.
If you notice any such effects, consult with your doctor immediately.
What
are the side effects of minoxidil references
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SE, Epstein SK. Overdose of Rogaine Extra Strength for Men topical
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of a topical minoxidil preparation. Am J Emerg Med. 1989 Jul;7(4):419-21.
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A, Ingber A. Topical treatment with minoxidil 2% and smoking
intolerance. Ann Pharmacother. 1992 Feb;26(2):198-9.
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FH, Smith DL, Unger WP. Topical minoxidil: cardiac effects in
bald man. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1988 Oct;26(4):481-5.
- Spindler
JR.Deaths occurring during clinical studies of topical minoxidil.
J Am Acad Dermatol. 1987 Mar;16(3 Pt 2):725-9.
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Minoxidil in breast milk. Ann Intern Med. 1985 Jan;102(1):135.
- Camacho F, Moreno JC, Garcia-Hernandez
MJ. Telogen alopecia from UV rays. Arch Dermatol. 1996 Nov;132(11):1398-9.
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J Emerg Nurs. 1999 Feb;25(1):67-8.
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A. Diffuse hypertrichosis during treatment with 5% topical minoxidil.
Br J Dermatol. 1997 Jan;136(1):118-20.
- Sanchez-Motilla JM, Pont V, Nagore E,
Rodriguez-Serna M, Sanchez JL, Aliaga A. Pustular allergic contact
dermatitis from minoxidil. Contact Dermatitis. 1998 May;38(5):283-4.
- Ebner H, Muller E. Allergic contact dermatitis
from minoxidil. Contact Dermatitis. 1995 May;32(5):316-7.
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Wilkinson J, Dawber R. Contact dermatitis in reaction to 2% topical
minoxidil solution. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1991 Apr;24(4):661-2.
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