Medication info

Minoxidil Gel 5%

OTC medication
Ingredient · strength
Minoxidil›50mg / 1g
Manufacturer / importer
현대약품(주)
Appearance
Clear gel, colorless or pale yellow
Packaging
15 grams/tube
Approval status
Active

MFDS item code 200712998 · Notified 2007.12.03

Summary

Main use
Treatment of male and female pattern hair loss
Who uses it
Adults
Adult dosage
(gel) After completely drying hair and scalp, apply 0.5 to 1g of this drug twice a day (morning, evening) for at least 4 months to the affected area only. Total daily dose should not exceed 2g. (solution) 2%, 5% After completely drying hair and scalp, apply 0.5 to 1mL of this drug twice a day (morning, evening) for at least 4 months to the affected area only. Total daily dose should not exceed 2mL.

Ingredients

Manufacturer
현대약품(주)

Efficacy & effects

Treatment of male and female pattern hair loss

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

This medication is used for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, or male and female pattern hair loss, which occurs in both men and women. It is available in various concentrations, allowing for appropriate selection for treatment. It helps slow the progression of hair loss and promotes hair growth. Continuous use allows for effective management of hair loss. It is used safely and effectively for the treatment of male pattern hair loss and female pattern hair loss.

Dosage and Administration

Adult dosage

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

Precautions

This drug should not be used by female patients at a concentration of 5%. Children under 18 years should not use this drug. Pregnant or potentially pregnant women and nursing mothers should not use this drug in concentrations of 2% and 3%. People who have previously had allergic reactions to this drug or its components should not use it. Patients with heart or vascular problems, such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, valvular heart disease, hypertension or hypotension should not use this drug. This drug is not suitable for non-genetic hair loss. If hair loss occurs suddenly and partially, this drug should also not be used. Individuals with inflammation, infection, irritation, psoriasis, sunburn or other abnormalities of the scalp should avoid using this drug. Patients with unexplained hair loss should also refrain from using this drug. Patients already using other scalp medications should not use this drug in combination. It is preferable not to use this drug on a shaved scalp. Patients who do not tolerate the 2% concentration should not use the 5% concentration. Patients experiencing postpartum hair loss should not use this drug in concentrations of 2% or 3%. When using this drug, it should not be combined with medications that enhance transdermal absorption, such as topical corticosteroids, retinoids, petroleum jelly, or dithranol. Patients continuing to take vasodilators should be cautious, as hypotension symptoms may worsen when using this drug. Elderly patients over 55 years should consult a healthcare professional before use due to insufficient safety and efficacy data. Patients with edema or thyroid dysfunction must consult a doctor or pharmacist before use. If symptoms such as itching, redness, dermatitis, or worsening hair loss occur while using this drug, usage should be immediately stopped and a healthcare professional consulted. Gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting may occur, so caution is necessary. Heart-related symptoms such as chest pain, fluctuation in blood pressure, or palpitations may occur, so immediate consultation with a healthcare professional is required if any abnormal symptoms develop. Respiratory issues or symptoms related to autonomic nervous system disturbances have also been reported, so caution is advised. Central nervous system symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or fainting may occur, so caution is necessary. Hepatitis or kidney-related side effects may arise, and any concerning signs should be reported to a healthcare professional immediately. Allergic reactions or systemic edema, weight gain, etc. may occur, so careful observation is required. Initial use may temporarily worsen hair loss, but if it persists for more than 2 weeks, a consultation with a healthcare professional is necessary. If no effects are observed after more than 4 months of use, a healthcare professional should be consulted. This drug can affect the cardiovascular system in cases of excessive absorption, so it is crucial to consult a doctor or pharmacist before use. If there are wounds or inflammation on the scalp, absorption may increase, raising the risk of side effects, so the condition should be verified before use. If a dose is missed while using this drug, do not compensate but continue with the next scheduled dosage. This drug is ineffective for hair loss or skin diseases caused by specific reasons, so it is essential to confirm whether it is appropriate for the intended use. Severe cardiovascular side effects may appear in case of overdose, so the recommended dosage should be strictly followed. If severe abnormal symptoms occur during use, immediate consultation with a doctor or pharmacist is necessary. This drug is intended for topical use only on the scalp and should not be used on other areas. Do not use under an occlusive dressing. Avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes; if contact occurs, rinse immediately with clean water. After use, wash hands thoroughly. Hair styling products should only be used after this drug has completely dried, and when used at night, it is recommended to apply it 2 to 4 hours before sleeping. Air circulation on the scalp may affect the drug's effectiveness, so it is advisable not to dry with a hairdryer. There have been reports from animal studies suggesting that the component of this drug may be related to the occurrence of certain cancers, so caution is advised during prolonged use. This drug is flammable; therefore, it should be stored away from flames or heat sources. Store in a safe place out of reach of children. Medications should be kept in their original container, and transferring to another container may create risks of misuse or deterioration in quality.

Side effects and when to seek care immediately

Serious side effects

Hives, edema, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, cold sweat, paleness, severe allergic reactions, severe rashes accompanied by high fever, blisters, peeling skin, pain in oral/ocular mucosa, severe skin reactions, difficulty or shortness of breath, asthma attacks, respiratory issues accompanied by cough and fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), generalized lethargy, liver abnormalities (jaundice), sudden and severe headaches, lightning-like pains

Mild side effects

  • Itching
  • scaling
  • erythema/redness
  • dermatitis
  • dry skin
  • hypertrichosis
  • folliculitis
  • burning sensation
  • rash
  • desquamation
Show 29 more
  • hair loss
  • skin abscess
  • acne
  • nail disorders
  • seborrhea
  • eczema
  • hair anomalies
  • 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
  • fractures
  • abdominal pain
  • tendinitis
  • pain
  • neuritis
  • weakness

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

Interactions

Drug interactions

Do not use this drug together with other scalp medications, topical corticosteroids, retinoids, petroleum jelly, dithranol, or medications that enhance transdermal absorption. Consult a doctor or pharmacist if using with vasodilators.

Storage

This drug is sensitive to light and should be stored in an opaque container that does not allow light penetration. Additionally, it is essential to maintain the temperature between 1 and 30 degrees Celsius when storing the medication to ensure its effectiveness is retained.

Appearance and packaging

Appearance

Clear gel, colorless or pale yellow

Package unit

15 grams/tube

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

No questions yet.

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

Related searches

Search tags

Suggested searches

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.