Rogaine Side Effects

Generic name: minoxidil topical

Please note - some side effects for Rogaine may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

Side Effects of Rogaine - for the consumer

Rogaine Foam (For Men)

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Rogaine Foam (For Men):

Changes in hair color or texture.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dizziness; fainting; fast heartbeat; redness or irritation of the scalp; sudden, unexplained weight gain; swelling of the hands or feet; unwanted facial hair growth.

Rogaine Solution

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Rogaine Solution:

Burning or irritation of the eye; itching; redness or irritation at the treated area; unwanted hair growth elsewhere on the body.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dizziness; fainting; fast heartbeat; sudden, unexplained weight gain; swollen hands or feet.

By body system

General side effects

Minoxidil topical is generally well tolerated. Dermatological adverse events are the only side effects reported more commonly as compared to placebo.

Cardiovascular side effects

Rarely, cardiovascular side effects have included edema, chest pain, blood pressure changes, palpitations, and changes in pulse rate with minoxidil topical therapy.

Edema, salt and water retention, pericardial effusion, pericarditis, tamponade, tachycardia, and angina have been reported with oral minoxidil. Patients with underlying heart disease may be at increased risk for these or other cardiovascular adverse effects.

Local side effects

Despite low levels of systemic absorption, in one study of 35 men using either topical minoxidil 2% twice a day or placebo for 6 months, minoxidil was associated with cardiac changes, such as significant increases in left ventricular end-diastolic volume, cardiac output, and left ventricular mass.

Systemic side effects are uncommon since very little minoxidil is absorbed after topical application. In one study, the serum levels after 2.5 mg twice a day oral versus 2% twice a day topical minoxidil were 32.8 and 1.7 ng per mL, respectively.

Exacerbation of hair loss/alopecia has been reported.

Dermatologic side effects

Rare cases of generalized hypertrichosis have been associated with topically applied minoxidil. Eczema, irritant dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis have also been reported.

Hypersensitivity side effects

Nonspecific allergic reactions, hives, allergic rhinitis, facial swelling, and sensitivity to minoxidil topical have rarely been reported.

Nervous system side effects

Headache, dizziness, faintness, and light-headedness have been reported with minoxidil topical.

Gastrointestinal side effects

Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting have been reported during treatment with minoxidil topical.

Ocular side effects

Visual disturbances, including decreased visual acuity, have been reported.

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