Rogaine Side Effects

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Rogaine is a brand name for minoxidil, which treats balding in men and women and stimulates hair growth. Originally developed as a high blood pressure medication or "antihypertensive vasodilator" under the name Loniten, minoxidil was later found to have hair-growing properties.

Rogaine can have side effects such as scalp irritation and dryness, as well as flaking or scaling. More serious side effects, like weight gain, chest pain and lightheadedness, are rare but can occur in some cases.^[1]

According to Rogaine manufacturer McNeill, the drug works by "reinvigorating" hair follicles that have shrunk, leading to regrowth.^[2] Rogaine is available in over-the-counter and generic formulations. Rogaine is most effective for people whose hair loss is recent, particularly those under forty. Rogaine does not affect receding hairlines and does not cure baldness. To continue hair regrowth, Rogaine needs to be used indefinitely. The majority of most regrown hair is lost within months after patients stop using the drug.^[1]

Contents 1 Common Rogaine Side Effects 2 About Drug Side Effects 3 Rogaine Allergic Reactions 4 Rogaine Precautions and Warnings 5 References

Common Rogaine Side Effects

Some common minoxidil side effects include irritation or a burning sensation in the eyes, changes in hair color or texture, redness, irritation or itching on the affected area; occasional unwanted hair growth on other parts of the body.^[1]

More serious side effects can be dangerous, and necessitate medical intervention. These include weight gain; swelling of the ankles, hands, stomach or face; trouble breathing; fast heartbeat or pains in the chest; and lightheaded sensations.^[3]

About Drug Side Effects

Rogaine Allergic Reactions

Signs of a severe allergic reaction to minoxodil include closing of the throat, difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, tongue, or lips; and hives. People who experience these symptoms are advised to seek prompt medical attention. Reactions to Rogaine can be caused by an allergy to minoxodil or to one of the following inactive ingredients in Rogaine: butane, butylated hydroxytoluene, cetyl alcohol, citric acid, fragrance, glycerin, isobutane, lactic acid, polysorbate 60, propane, purified water, SD alcohol 40-B, stearyl alcohol.^[4]

Rogaine Precautions and Warnings

• Rogaine can cause the skin to become more sensitive to sunlight. Users are advised to avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial sunlight sources, and to use clothing or sunblock to protect themselves.^[1]
• Minoxidil, the active ingredient in Rogaine, is a Pregnancy Category C drug; adverse effects have been noted in rabbits and rats, but there has not been enough research to determine whether these same effects will be seen in humans. Pregnancy Category C drugs should not be used by women who are or plan to become pregnant unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Women who are breastfeeding should not use Rogaine, as the drug passes into breast milk.^[5]
• Patients with heart disease and kidney disease may have their conditions worsened.^[5]
• Rogaine may cause reactions with other medications, such as blood pressure drugs, Ismelin, and certain vitamins.^[1]
• Those who miss a dose of minoxidil are instructed to use it as soon as they remember, but not to use more than one dose at a time.
• Rogaine is not for use on a sunburn or on an otherwise irritated scalp.^[1]

Also See: Flomax Coupons, Flomax Side Effects, Avodart Coupons, Avodart Side Effects, Minoxidil Side Effects, Propecia Side Effects

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6} http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000883/
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} http://www.rogaine.com/about-rogaine
3. ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a689003.html
4. ↑ http://www.rogaine.com/men/important-drug-facts
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1} http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=44064