Minoxidil belongs to a group of medicines known as hair regrowth treatments.

The recommended dose is 1 mL applied twice daily to the scalp, starting in the center of the affected area. However, please follow your doctor's reccomendation.
It is important that the solution stay in contact with the scalp for at least four hours after application. During this time period, avoid activities such as swimming, showering, or physical activity involving excessive perspiration.

Less common side effects include:
continuous itching or skin rash

Rare side effects can be:
acne in area where applied
changes in blood pressure
chest pain
burning or scalp
ear infections
increased hair loss
inflammation or soreness at root of hair
reddened skin
swelling of face
yellow skin or eyes

The following medications may affect the functioning of this drug or be affected by it:

topical corticosteroids
petrolatum (Vaseline)
tretinoin
other topical medications

At first, hair growth will be soft, colorless and barely visible. With further treatment new hair should be the color and thickness of other scalp hair. Evidence of hair growth may take up to 4 months or longer.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as you remember if it is within a few hours of the missed dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

When this solution is applied to the scalp of a man with male pattern baldness, it often stimulates hair growth. The exact way it works is not known, but it is thought to improve the blood flow around the hair follicle.

Your doctor may choose to use this medication for other conditions. If you're not sure why you are taking this medication, please ask your doctor.

Store at room temperature away from sunlight. Avoid freezing. This product is flammable. Keep it away from fire or flame.

This medication should not be used by:

anyone sensitive or allergic to minoxidil or ingredients of the solution
pregnant or nursing women
anyone whose baldness is not due to hereditary factors
This medication should not be used if the skin of the scalp is shaved, broken, inflamed, irritated, infected, or severely sunburned.

The safety of this drug for children under 18 years has not been established.
Minoxidil should be used cautiously in people with heart disease because an increase in heart rate and decrease in blood pressure may occur.