If minoxidil is applied in liquid form directly to scalp, can side effects be the same as for pills?

21 Sep 2009

Topical side effects are:

As a drug to combat hair loss, the most common side effect is itchy scalp. Alcohol present in topical preparations may dry the scalp, resulting in dandruff. In some cases minoxidil may initially cause an increase in hair loss. There have been cases of allergic reactions to minoxidil or the non-active ingredient propylene glycol, which is found in some forms of topical Rogaine. Ironically, hair loss is also a common side-effect of minoxidil treatment. Hairy ears have also been reported as a side effect of minoxidil. It should be noted the hairloss 'side effects' are a known short term feature known as 'shredding', which shows the drug is working.