Generic Rogaine

Common use

Rogaine contains minoxidil and is used to treat hairloss on women by improving blood circulation in the vessels of the scalp. It also can be used to treat male pattern baldness on the top of the head.



Dosage and direction

Apply topically 1 ml of solution (a half of a capful of foam) to scalp and dry hair one time in the morning and one time in the evening. Leave for a least four hours. After use wash hands thoroughly with warm water. Avoid getting of the medications into your eyes, mouth or nose. Do not use more than 2 ml of the medication a day as hair growth will not improve while side effects may worsen. The results do not appear immediately, it may take at least four months to see results. In elder patients with wider zones of baldness Rogaine works less effectively. Do not stop taking this drug even if you see first good results, stop taking of the medication only after your doctor's approval.



Precautions

Do not use this medications on is damaged, irritated, or sunburned skin. Do not use for other skin areas of your body than scalp. Do not use other topical medications while you are on Rogaine. Do not use this medication without your doctor's allowance if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.



Contraindication

Rogaine cannot be used in the individuals with hypersensitivity to minoxidil or inactive components of the drug such as propylene glycol, minoxidil, or ethanol.



Possible side effects

The most frequent side effects to occur are an allergic reaction (facial swelling, hives, rash, difficulty breathing), chest pain, dizziness or lightheadedness, irregular or very fast heartbeats, fainting.



Drug interaction

No drugs are known to interact with Rogaine. Theoretically likely it to interact with vasodilators causing orthostatic hypotension in patients curreingly taking peripheral. Effects of Rogaine may be reduced by paracetamol and diethylcarbamazine. Tretinoin and anthralin/dithranol used concurrently with Rogaine may increase its absorption.



Missed dose

If you forgot to take a dose take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time of your next dose. If so do not take the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not try to make up the missed dose by taking an additional dose as it may worsen your side effects.



Overdose

Among the most serious symptoms of overdose you may experience very low blood pressure (dizziness, confusion, fainting), headache an irregular or fast heart rate, and flushing (warmth, redness) of the skin.



Storage

Store at room temperature, between 59-86 F (15-30 C) in a tight dark container. Save from heat, moisture, and sunlight.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)