Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an antihypertensive vasodilator. When applied topically to the scalp, it stimulates hair growth by widening blood vessels, opening potassium channels, and increasing blood flow to hair follicles, which prolongs the anagen (growth) phase. When administered orally, it relaxes vascular smooth muscle to lower blood pressure, but is typically reserved for severe hypertension resistant to other therapies due to significant potential side effects like fluid retention and tachycardia.
Dosage by Body Weight
For hair loss (Topical): Apply 1 mL of 2% or 5% solution, or half a capful of 5% foam, to the affected areas of the dry scalp twice daily. Massage gently into the scalp. Do not use more than directed. Wash hands thoroughly after application. For severe hypertension (Oral): Adults typically start at 5 mg once daily, titrated slowly up to 40 mg daily in single or divided doses under close medical supervision.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy of topical and oral minoxidil in pediatric patients have not been established. Use is highly restricted and only under extreme specialist supervision for hypertension.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy of topical and oral minoxidil in pediatric patients have not been established.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy of topical and oral minoxidil in pediatric patients have not been established.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy of topical and oral minoxidil in pediatric patients have not been established.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy of topical and oral minoxidil in pediatric patients have not been established.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and efficacy of topical and oral minoxidil in pediatric patients have not been established. Use is highly restricted and only under extreme specialist supervision for hypertension. |
| 5-7 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and efficacy of topical and oral minoxidil in pediatric patients have not been established. |
| 8-10 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and efficacy of topical and oral minoxidil in pediatric patients have not been established. |
| 11-15 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and efficacy of topical and oral minoxidil in pediatric patients have not been established. |
| 16-20 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and efficacy of topical and oral minoxidil in pediatric patients have not been established. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used topically to promote hair growth and treat androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) in both men and women. Used orally as a peripheral vasodilator to treat severe, refractory hypertension.
Generic Name
MinoxidilBranded Drug Names
Minoxidil is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.