How to Use

Before applying Minoxidil, make sure you your scalp is clean and dry. This lotion may be applied to damp hair. Apply twenty drops to the scalp or use 1ml of lotion with the applicator. Then, gently and evenly rub the medication into your scalp. The lotion should be applied twice a day, but make sure to leave enough time for the hair to dry in between application and the use of other hair care products or before bedtime. Follow the instructions of your doctor exactly, even if they differ from the usually recommended dosage.

To avoid irritation, it is advised not to use Minoxidil on days when you are having your hair colored or otherwise chemically treated.

Do not use Minoxidil on any other parts of the body than the head or on cut, bruised, red or otherwise irritated skin. Keep this medication away from your eyes. If the lotion accidentally comes into contact with your eyes, you should rinse them immediately with large amounts of cold water.

Be careful not to use more of this product than necessary or advised by your doctor. Using too much of this product or using it on irritated skin could cause the lotion to be absorbed by the skin, which could ultimately lead to dangerous side effects.

Overdose

Do not swallow Minoxidil. Potential overdose symptoms or side effects after swallowing this medication include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Fainting
• Flushing

If you think you have accidentally swallowed or used too much of this medication, you should contact your local poison control center or the emergency medical services immediately.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Minoxidil, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.  Do not double up on this medication to make up for a missed dose.

Notes

Minoxidil is available in two different strengths, 2% and 5%. The 2% solution can be used by both men and women suffering from hair loss. The 5% solution should only be used by men treating MPB. This medication should only be used by individuals of 18 years or over.

While using Minoxidil you may be asked by your doctor to attend regular laboratory or medical tests to chart your progress and check for potential side effects. Make sure you do not miss any of these appointments.

Do not share this medication with others as they may have a condition that is not adequately treated with Minoxidil.

Storage

Store Minoxidil at 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) and away from light, heat and moisture. Once finished, dispose of the medication in keeping with environmental standards. KEEP THIS AND ALL OTHER MEDICATION OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Important Note

Precautions

Before taking Minoxidil, inform your doctor of any relevant medical history, including:

• Any allergies
• Diseases of the scalp (e.g. eczema, infection, cuts)
• Heart problems (e.g. chest pain, heart attack, heart failure)
• Kidney diseases
• Liver diseases

If you suffer or ever have suffered from any of the above conditions, you may not be able to use Minoxidil or you may need a dosage adjustment.

Minoxidil is classified as Pregnancy Category C by the FDA, which means it is not known whether this medication could be harmful to an unborn baby. If you are currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future, you should discuss all potential risks and benefits with your doctor before using this lotion.

Minoxidil is excreted into breast milk. It is therefore advised not to use this medication while you are breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Before using Minoxidil, you need to tell your doctor about all other medications you are currently using, including:

• Medicines for high blood pressure (e.g. guanethidine)
• Other skin products used on the scalp
• Medications that interact with alcohol (e.g. disulfiram, metronidazole)

This is only a partial list and other medications may negatively interact with Minoxidil. Inform your doctor of all other prescription and non-prescription medications you are currently using, including vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements, herbal pills and medicines prescribed by other doctors. Do not start or stop using any medication without discussing this with your doctor first.

Common potential side effects of Minoxidil include:

• Burning
• Stinging
• Redness

The above side effects are usually mild and should only last temporarily. Notify your doctor as soon as possible if any of these effects persist or worsen.

In rare cases, Minoxidil, may be absorbed by the skin, which could lead to any of the following unlikely but serious side effects:

• Unwanted facial or body hair,
• Dizziness
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Fainting
• Chest pain
• Swelling of hands or feet
• Unusual weight gain
• Tiredness
• Difficulty breathing

Rarely, you may experience a severe allergic reaction to this medication. Seek urgent medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• Rash
• Itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue or throat)
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing

This is only a partial list and other side effects may occur. Let your doctor know as soon as possible if you experience any side effects other than the ones mentioned above, especially if they are bothersome.