Minoxidil 5%

Minoxidil vs. Rogaine

Minoxidil and Rogaine are technically the same hair loss treatment.

Rogaine is the more expensive branded version, whereas Minoxidil is the less expensive generic version named after the active ingredient which is found in Rogaine.

Minxodil provides the same treatment results as Rogaine for hair loss. It contains exactly the same active ingredient and has the same main effects.

General Info
Side Effects
Safety Information

How does Minoxidil work?

When applied to your scalp, Minoxidil widens the blood vessels, facilitating the flow of blood to hair follicles. This increased blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles, possibly promoting hair growth.

Minoxidil actively promotes the growth of hair by causing hairs in a resting state to shed and replacing them with new hairs in the growing phase.  

A temporary effect may be initial rapid hair loss during the first month as your resting hairs shed.  This is normal and once they’re replaced with hairs in the growing phase, Minoxidil can produce a noticeably thicker head of hair.

 

How long does Minoxidil take to work?

It may take 3 to 4 months of daily use before you see any noticeable improvement. 

If you do not see any new hair growth after 4 months, stop using and contact your medical practitioner.

 

How to take Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is available as a spray, liquid, or topical foam and in a variety of concentrations.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common:

  • Itching or skin rash (continued)

Rare:

  • Acne at site of application
  • burning of scalp
  • facial hair growth
  • increased hair loss
  • inflammation or soreness at root of hair
  • reddened skin
  • swelling of face
  • Signs and symptoms of too much medicine being absorbed into the body—Rare
  • Blurred vision or other changes in vision
  • chest pain
  • dizziness
  • fainting
  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • flushing
  • headache
  • lightheadedness
  • numbness or tingling of hands, feet, or face
  • swelling of face, hands, feet, or lower legs
  • weight gain (rapid)

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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.

Tell your doctor if you notice continued itching, redness, or burning of your scalp after you apply minoxidil. If the itching, redness, or burning is severe, wash the medicine off and check with your doctor before using it again.