Ronoxidil Side Effects
Generic name: minoxidil topical
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 12, 2024.
Note: This document provides detailed information about Ronoxidil Side Effects associated with minoxidil topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Ronoxidil.
Applies to minoxidil topical: topical foam, topical solution.
Serious side effects of Ronoxidil
Along with its needed effects, minoxidil topical (the active ingredient contained in Ronoxidil) 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:
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
Ocular
- Frequency not reported: Eye irritation[Ref]
Metabolic
- Common (1% to 10%): Weight increased[Ref]
Psychiatric
- Frequency not reported: Depressed mood[Ref]
Respiratory
Other
- Common (1% to 10%): Peripheral edema[Ref]
References
1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
More about Ronoxidil (minoxidil topical)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: miscellaneous topical agents
- Breastfeeding
Patient resources
Other brands
Rogaine, Hair Regrowth Treatment for Women, Rogaine Men's Extra Strength, Hair Regrowth Treatment for Men, Rogaine Women's
Professional resources
Other brands
Hair Regrowth Treatment for Women, Hair Regrowth Treatment for Men
Related treatment guides
Further information
Ronoxidil 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.