Minoxidil

Side Effects

As a drug to combat hair-loss, the most common side effect is itchy scalp.

There have been cases of allergic reactions to minoxidil or the non-active ingredient propylene glycol which is found in some forms of the topical version, such as Rogaine. Large amounts of minoxidil can cause hypotension, and it has been found that using petroleum jelly or tretinoin on the scalp with minoxidil can cause too much of the drug absorption by the scalp, as can using the drug on sunburned scalps.

If a person uses minoxidil to stop hair loss for a length of time and then stops taking the drug, hair loss will occur again.

Other side-effects, although not as common, include:

• acne on the area where it is being used as a topical solution
• headaches and/or lightheadedness
• impotence
• very low blood pressure
• irregular or fast heart beat
• flushing of the skin
• blurred vision
• numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or face
• decrease in sexual desire
• chest pain
• rapid weight gain
• swelling of the lower legs, hands, feet, or face

It has also been found that the drug can be passed from a mother to a child via breast milk.

References

• Minoxidil entry at healthatoz.com
• MEDLINEplus Drug Information: Minoxidil (Topical)

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