Medication info

Minoxidil Solution 5% (Minoxidil)

OTC medication
Ingredient · strength
Minoxidil›5g / 100mL
Manufacturer / importer
(주)나노팜
Appearance
A colorless or pale yellow transparent liquid contained in a plastic bottle
Packaging
1 bottle/box [50ml/bottle]
Approval status
Active

MFDS item code 200404626 · Notified 2004.11.29

Summary

Main use
Treatment of androgenetic alopecia in both men and women
Who uses it
Adults
Adult dosage
(Gel) After completely drying the hair and scalp, apply 0.5 to 1 g of this medication twice a day (morning, evening) only to the affected area for at least 4 months. Total daily dose should not exceed 2 g. (Solution) 2%, 5% After completely drying the hair and scalp, apply 0.5 to 1 mL of this medication twice a day (morning, evening) only to the affected area for at least 4 months. Total daily dose should not exceed 2

Ingredients

Manufacturer
(주)나노팜

Efficacy & effects

Treatment of androgenetic alopecia in both men and women

  • Male-pattern hair loss
  • female-pattern hair loss
View approved original text

This medication is used to treat androgenetic alopecia, which includes male-pattern and female-pattern hair loss. Depending on the concentration of 2%, 3%, or 5%, it can be applied to the balding area for therapeutic effect. It helps improve symptoms where hair is progressively thinning or decreasing, promoting hair growth. With consistent use, this medication is effective in slowing hair loss progression and increasing hair density. It can be used for both male and female pattern hair loss, thus is utilized in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.

Dosage and Administration

Adult dosage

(Gel) After completely drying the hair and scalp, apply 0.5 to 1 g of this medication twice a day (morning, evening) only to the affected area for at least 4 months. Total daily dose should not exceed 2 g. (Solution) 2%, 5% After completely drying the hair and scalp, apply 0.5 to 1 mL of this medication twice a day (morning, evening) only to the affected area for at least 4 months. Total daily dose should not exceed 2

Precautions

This medication should not be used by female patients using the 5% concentration. It is safest for children and adolescents under 18 years old to avoid this medication. Women who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding should not use certain concentrations of this medication. Those who have allergies or a history of hypersensitivity to this medication or its ingredients should not use it. Patients with cardiovascular diseases should consult with a physician before using this medication. It is advisable for patients with hair loss not caused by genetic factors or who have suddenly experienced partial hair loss to refrain from using this medication. This medication should not be used if there are abnormalities such as scalp inflammation, infection, irritation, psoriasis, or sunburn. It is safe not to use this medication together with other scalp medications. Avoid using this medication on shaved scalp. Individuals who do not tolerate the 2% dose well should not use the 5% dose either. Patients experiencing hair loss related to childbirth should not use certain concentrations of this medication. During the use of this medication, do not use topical corticosteroids, retinoids, petroleum jelly, or dithranol; using vasodilators may increase the risk of orthostatic hypotension. Elderly patients over 55 should consult with experts, as the safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established. Patients with edema or thyroid function issues must consult with a physician before using this medication. If unusual symptoms such as itching, rash, erythema, dermatitis, scalp irritation appear during the use of this medication, discontinue use immediately and consult with an expert. Be cautious, as gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may occur. Cardiac symptoms such as chest pain, blood pressure changes, and palpitations may manifest; if symptoms occur, notify an expert immediately. Respiratory issues such as bronchitis or shortness of breath may develop; caution is advised. Central nervous system symptoms like dizziness, headache, or fainting are rare. Hepatitis or kidney-related side effects may also occur, so consult immediately if symptoms appear. If there is a temporary exacerbation of hair loss due to the use of this medication, consult with an expert if it persists for more than two weeks or does not show effects after four months of use. Excessive absorption of this medication can affect the entire body; therefore, consult with a physician or pharmacist before use. If there are wounds or severe inflammation on the scalp, increased absorption of this medication may escalate the risk of side effects. If a dose is missed, use the next dose as per schedule without supplementing it. This medication is ineffective for hair loss or skin diseases due to specific causes, so it is best to consult with an expert before use. Using overdoses may lead to cardiovascular anomalies, so consult with medical personnel immediately and receive appropriate treatment if necessary. This medication should only be used on the scalp and is not safe for other areas. Sealing bandage methods should not be used. Be careful to avoid contact with the eyes or sensitive areas; if contact occurs, immediately rinse with clean water. After use, hands should be washed thoroughly, and hair styling products should be used only after this medication has completely dried. Avoid using hair dryers, as obstruction of air circulation on the scalp may reduce efficacy. This medication is flammable, so do not store or use it near fire, and keep it out of reach of children. Medicines should be stored in their original container with the lid tightly closed to prevent deterioration in quality.

Side effects and when to seek care immediately

Serious side effects

Hives, severe swelling, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, pallor, severe allergic reactions, severe rash with high fever, blisters, skin peeling, pain in oral/ocular mucosa, severe skin adverse reactions, difficulty or shortness of breath, asthma attacks, breathing abnormalities accompanied by coughing and fever, respiratory problems, yellowing of skin or eyes, profound lethargy, liver problems (jaundice), sudden and very severe headache

Mild side effects

  • Itching
  • scaling
  • erythema/redness
  • dermatitis
  • dry skin
  • hypertrichosis
  • folliculitis
  • burning sensation
  • rash
  • peeling
Show 29 more
  • hair loss
  • skin abscess
  • acne
  • nail disorders
  • seborrhea
  • eczema
  • hair abnormalities
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • chest pain
  • blood pressure changes
  • pulse changes
  • palpitations
  • increased heart rate
  • pericardial effusion
  • pericarditis
  • cyanosis
  • tachycardia
  • bronchitis
  • upper respiratory infections
  • sinusitis
  • shortness of breath
  • respiratory distress
  • fractures
  • abdominal pain
  • tendinitis
  • pain
  • nerve

Not everyone experiences these, and they can vary from person to person.

Interactions

Drug interactions

This medication should not be used with other scalp preparations, topical corticosteroids, retinoids, petroleum jelly, dithranol, or drugs known to enhance percutaneous absorption, such as guanethidine.

Storage

This medication is sensitive to light, therefore it should be stored in a container that blocks light. Additionally, to maintain the effectiveness of the medication, it should be stored at room temperature, specifically between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.

Appearance and packaging

Appearance

A colorless or pale yellow transparent liquid contained in a plastic bottle

Package unit

1 bottle/box [50ml/bottle]

Same-ingredient medicines

Even with the same ingredient, strength, dosage form and how it is taken can differ.

Even with the same ingredient, the dose and directions can differ by strength and dosage form. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before switching from a medication you are already taking.

Questions about this medicine

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For anything that needs medical judgment, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

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This drug information is based on data provided by the Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
Consult a doctor or pharmacist for accurate dosage, administration, and usage instructions.