Rogaine Side Effects

Generic name: minoxidil topical

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 17, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Rogaine Side Effects associated with minoxidil topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Rogaine.

Applies to minoxidil topical: topical foam, topical solution.

Serious side effects of Rogaine

Along with its needed effects, minoxidil topical (the active ingredient contained in Rogaine) 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 while taking minoxidil topical:

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)

For healthcare professionals

Applies to minoxidil topical: topical foam, topical solution, topical spray.

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Chest pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Palpitations
• Frequency not reported: Heart rate increased, hypotension^[Ref]

Local

• Frequency not reported: Application site reactions^[Ref]

Application site reactions may involve nearby structures (e.g. ears, face) and typically include pruritus, irritation, pain, rash, edema, dry skin, erythema, and erythematous rash, but may include severe events such as exfoliation, dermatitis, blistering, bleeding, or ulceration.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertrichosis (unwanted non-scalp hair including female facial hair growth), pruritus (including rash pruritic generalized and eye pruritus), rash (including pustular, popular, generalized, vestibular, and seborrheic)
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Changes in hair texture
• Frequency not reported: Dry skin, skin exfoliation (including exfoliative rash and dermatitis exfoliative), acne (acneiform rash), temporary hair loss, changes in hair color, angioedema (including lip edema, lip swelling, edema mouth, oropharyngeal swelling, pharyngeal edema, swollen tongue and tongue edema)^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity reactions (including face edema, generalized erythema, generalized pruritus, swelling face, pharyngeal edema, and throat tightness)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dizziness^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nausea
• Frequency not reported: Vomiting^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Eye irritation^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Weight increased^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Depressed mood^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspnea^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Peripheral edema^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Does minoxidil work for beards?

Further information

Rogaine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer