Overview
Uses and benefits
Side effects
How to use
How drug works
Safety advice
Missed dose
All substitutes
Quick tips
Fact box
Interaction with drugs
Patient concerns
FAQs

Author Details

Written By

Nancy Dixit

M.Pharm, B.Pharm

Reviewed By

Dr. Lalit Kanodia

MBA, MD Pharmacology

Last updated

29 Apr 2025 | 01:18 AM (IST)

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Minoxidil 2% Solution

Prescription Required

Marketer

Cosmogene Skincare Pvt Ltd

SALT COMPOSITION

Minoxidil (2% w/v)

Storage

Store below 30°C

Click here to view all substitutes

Product introduction

Minoxidil 2% Solution belongs to a class of drugs known as vasodilators. It is used to promote hair growth in men with male pattern baldness by improving blood flow to hair follicles, helping slow hair loss, and encouraging new hair growth when used regularly.

Minoxidil 2% Solution should only be applied directly to the scalp area in the amount and in the way specified on the label or by your doctor. Clean and dry your scalp before using it. It may take approximately 2- 4 months to notice any hair growth. The first growth may be soft, colourless, and barely visible. Using more than recommended will not speed up hair growth and may increase the likelihood of side effects. This medication must be used continuously to maintain hair growth. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsen after using it for 4 to 6 months.

The most common side effects of this medicine include itching, excessive hair growth, rash, and dermatitis. In case of accidental application in other areas, it may result in unwanted hair growth. Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water if you get it in your eyes, mouth, or broken skin. Talk to your doctor if you are bothered by the side effects or if they do not go away.

People under 18 or over 65 should not usually use Minoxidil 2% Solution. It may also not be appropriate if your hair loss is due to medications (such as chemotherapy) or any nutritional deficiency. You should also not use this medicine if you have high blood pressure or use other creams or lotions to treat other scalp conditions. Talk to your doctor if you have heart disease or blood circulation problems.

Uses of Minoxidil Solution

Treatment of Hair loss

Benefits of Minoxidil Solution

In Treatment of Hair loss

Minoxidil 2% Solution is a medicine used to treat common hereditary hair loss. It can prevent further hair loss and help hair to regrow. It works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles on your scalp, which prevents hair cell death and also enhances new hair growth. It is most effective for baldness or thinning at the top of the scalp, but less effective at the front or for receding hairline.

Benefits are less likely if you have been bald for many years or have a large area of hair loss. Minoxidil 2% Solution is not suitable for sudden or unexplained hair loss. It is considered a safe medicine. There are separate products for men and women, and you should follow your doctor’s instructions carefully while using Minoxidil 2% Solution. Regrowth of hair improves your appearance, boosts your confidence, and enhances your social life. Use it regularly to maintain hair growth and to get the maximum benefits. Consult your doctor if you notice any changes in the hair growth while using Minoxidil 2% Solution.

Side effects of Minoxidil Solution

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Minoxidil

Itching
Hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth)
Dermatitis

How to use Minoxidil Solution

Use this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use.

How Minoxidil Solution works

Minoxidil 2% Solution is a potassium channel opener. Its vasodilation action expands the blood vessels. Therefore, when it is applied to the scalp, it helps to increase blood flow. This increased blood flow provides more nutrition and oxygen to the hair follicles, which prevents hair cell death and also enhances new hair growth. This is how it works to treat your alopecia (hair loss).

Safety advice

Alcohol

No interaction found/established

Pregnancy

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Minoxidil 2% Solution may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Minoxidil 2% Solution is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Minoxidil 2% Solution is not recommended for use in women.

Driving

No interaction found/established

Kidney

No interaction found/established

Liver

No interaction found/established

What if you forget to take Minoxidil Solution?

If you miss a dose of Minoxidil 2% Solution, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

All substitutes

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.

Minoxidil 2% Solution

₹751/Solution

Tugain 2% Solution

Cipla Ltd

₹425.09/solution

47% cheaper

Regaine 2% Solution

Janssen Pharmaceuticals

₹510/solution

36% cheaper

MX 2 Solution

Hegde and Hegde Pharmaceutica LLP

₹415/solution

48% cheaper

Coverit 2% Solution

Micro Labs Ltd

₹367/solution

54% cheaper

Minoxy 2 Solution

Maxamus Pharma Pvt Ltd

₹265/solution

67% cheaper

View all substitutes

Quick tips

Wash your hands before and after application.
It should only be applied directly to the scalp. If Minoxidil 2% Solution accidentally comes in contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth, flush the area thoroughly with cool tap water.
Do not shampoo your hair or use a hairdryer for 4 hours after applying Minoxidil 2% Solution as it can reduce the effectiveness of the medicine.
During the first 2 weeks of application, your hair fall may increase. This is normal and is a sign that Minoxidil 2% Solution is working.
Take care that Minoxidil 2% Solution does not trickle down onto your face as it may cause undesirable facial hair growth.

Fact Box

Chemical Class

Dialkylarylamines

Habit Forming

Therapeutic Class

DERMA

Action Class

Potassium Channel Openers (KCOs)

Interaction with drugs

Taking Minoxidil with any of the following medicines can modify the effect of either of them and cause some undesirable side effects

Procarbazine (Oral Route) Mild

Your doctor may monitor blood pressure. Concurrent use may cause an additional drop in blood pressure.

View all drug interactions

Patient concerns

I started using minoxidil 5 %(using from 2 weeks), Hairbless(using from 2 months),scalpe shampoo. I am facing 4 times heavy hairfall than previous hairfall. Should i stop minoxidil ? My scalp is becoming bald sooner starting from sideways. Please help

Dr. Atul Jain

Dermatology

In starting, it may increase hair lossContinue few weeks more

Using minoxidil topical 2% after 6 months when we stoped using minoxidil hair will lose ?

Dr. Atula Gupta

Dermatology

Yes . Depends on cause of hair fall . In FPHL hair might fall again . In other conditions it wii stay

I have been facing hair loss from top side . I have got to know that minoxidil is prescribed to treat it . If we use it and then stop it then will it cause sudden hair loss or what .

Dr. Ankit Soni

Homeopathy

It depends on person to person Minoxidil will stop the hairfall But it may again start falling after stopping Minoxidil I would recommend that you consult a Dermatologist for the same Do not indulge into Self Medication

Is the hair growth by Minoxidil 2% Solution treatment permanent?

You have to continue applying Minoxidil 2% Solution for continued hair growth. If you stop using Minoxidil 2% Solution, the regrown hair may disappear after 3-4 months and balding or hair loss may restart.

How long does it take to see results with Minoxidil 2% Solution?

Since hair growth is a slow process, it may take some time before you see new hair growth after starting the treatment with Minoxidil 2% Solution. You need to use Minoxidil 2% Solution for 4 months to see its effects.

Do I need to wash my hair every day when using Minoxidil 2% Solution?

No, it is not required to shampoo your hair every day before applying Minoxidil 2% Solution. However, if you shampoo your hair, make sure your scalp is dry before using Minoxidil 2% Solution.

How often should Minoxidil 2% Solution be applied?

The general recommendation is that Minoxidil 2% Solution should be used twice daily. Follow your doctor's instructions and take it in the dose and duration advised by your doctor.

Can Minoxidil 2% Solution be used for beard growth?

No, Minoxidil 2% Solution should not be used for beard growth. It is indicated only for growth of hair on scalp in patients with a family history of hair loss.

Can Minoxidil 2% Solution be harmful to pets?

Yes, Minoxidil 2% Solution contains minoxidil, which can be highly toxic to pets, especially cats. Even small amounts of exposure, such as through licking the skin, bedding, towels, or clothing that has come into contact with Minoxidil 2% Solution, can cause serious health issues and may be life-threatening. If you are using Minoxidil 2% Solution and have pets at home, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly after application, avoid direct contact between pets and treated areas, and ensure that pets do not come into contact with towels, pillows, or clothing that may have absorbed the product. Always store Minoxidil 2% Solution safely out of the reach of pets. If accidental exposure occurs, seek immediate veterinary attention.

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Disclaimer:

Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

References

Burkhart C, Morrell D, Goldsmith L. Dermatological Pharmacology. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. p. 1829.
Benowitz NL. Antihypertensive Agents. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 179.
Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 922-24.
[EMC SmPC]. Val-de-Reuil, France: Janssen-Cilag; 2018. [Accessed 17 Jun. 2019] (online) Available from:
5% Minoxidil Topical Solution [Product Information]. New York, NY: Avacor Products LLC; 2019. [Accessed 31 Jan. 2023] (online) Available from:
Minoxidil Topical Solution [Product Label]. Skillman, NJ: Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products; 2014. [Accessed 31 Jan. 2023] (online) Available from:
Minoxidil (5% w/v cutaneous solution) [Package Information Leaflet]. Athens, Greece: Target Pharma Ltd.; 2012. [Accessed 31 Jan. 2023] (online) Available from:
Minoxidil 5% cutaneous solution [Package leaflet: Information for the user]. London, UK: Careforsons Limited; 2020. [Accessed 31 Jan. 2023] (online) Available from:
Minoxidil (For Men) [FDA Label]. Hawthorne, NY: Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.; 2021. [Accessed 11 Jul. 2023]. (online) Available form:
Minoxidil (For Women) [FDA Label]. Jersey City, NJ: International Hair Institute, LLC; 2022. [Accessed 11 Jul. 2023]. (online) Available form:

Marketer details

Name: Cosmogene Skincare Pvt Ltd

Address: d.no 22-2-134 First floor komatwadi Hyderabad Telangana 500024

Country of origin: India

The list of available options shown with the same composition has been prepared upon the advice of registered medical practitioners, pharmacists affiliated with TATA 1MG. TATA 1MG does not promote any pharmaceutical product of any particular company, and all recommendations are based on the medical opinion, advisories from specialist medical and pharmaceutical professionals.