Rogaine is used to help you regrow hair on your scalp. The exact way that minoxidil works is not known. It is possible that it dilates blood vessels in the scalp, which may improve hair follicle function and stimulate hair growth.

Rogaine will not cause permanent regrowth of scalp hair. You must continue using the product to keep the regrowth of your hair.

Do not use Rogaine if the skin on your scalp is damaged, irritated, or sunburned. This may allow more of the medication to be absorbed by your body, which could be dangerous.

Do not use Rogaine on any part of your body other than your scalp. Application to other body parts can be dangerous.

Do not use other topical products on your scalp during treatment with Rogaine, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Before taking this medicine

Do not use Rogaine if the skin on your scalp is red, swollen, irritated, or infected. This may allow more of the medication to be absorbed by your body, which could be dangerous.

Check the medicine label carefully to make sure Rogaine will treat your specific type of hair loss.

Use only the Rogaine formula that is made for your gender. Women should not use minoxidil products that are made specifically for men.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

• heart disease.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Rogaine will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether minoxidil topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Rogaine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use Rogaine on anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.

Use Rogaine exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed in the package labeling. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Using more of this medicine than recommended will not speed up hair growth, and may cause dangerous side effects.

This medicine comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Dry your hair and scalp before applying Rogaine.

Apply the recommended amount to the affected areas of the scalp. Rogaine is usually applied twice daily, in the morning and at night.

Wash your hands after applying Rogaine.

Use Rogaine only on your scalp. Do not use on any other part of your body.

It may take up to 4 months or longer before you notice new hair growth. New hair may be soft, colorless, and barely visible. With further treatment, the hair should begin to have the same color and thickness as your existing hair.

Talk to your doctor if you do not see any hair growth after 4 months of treatment.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep the foam canister away from open flame or high heat, such as in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty canister.

Usual Adult Dose for Alopecia:

Solution:
Apply 1 mL topically to the affected area(s) of the scalp twice a day. The dose should not exceed 2 mL per day.

Foam:
Apply half a capful topically to the affected area(s) of the scalp twice a day.

Do not use Rogaine if the skin on your scalp is red, swollen, irritated, or infected. This may allow more of the medication to be absorbed by your body, which could be dangerous.

Check the medicine label carefully to make sure Rogaine will treat your specific type of hair loss.

Use only the Rogaine formula that is made for your gender. Women should not use minoxidil products that are made specifically for men.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

• heart disease.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Rogaine will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether minoxidil topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Rogaine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use Rogaine on anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

An overdose of Rogaine is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Avoid getting this medicine in the eyes, nose, or mouth. If this occurs, rinse the area with water.

Avoid using other skin products on the areas you treat with Rogaine, unless your doctor tells you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Rogaine: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although the risk of serious side effects is low when Rogaine is applied to the skin, side effects can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe scalp irritation;

• unwanted growth of facial hair;

• chest pain, fast heartbeats;

• swelling in your hands or feet, rapid weight gain;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• headache, dizziness, confusion; or

• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

Common Rogaine side effects may include:

• changes in the color or texture of your hair.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied minoxidil. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.