Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Rogaine For Men (Minoxidil-topical). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Rogaine For Men (Minoxidil-topical) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people using Rogaine For Men (Minoxidil-topical). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• backache
• changes in hair colour or texture
• cold- or flu-like symptoms (e.g., runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat)
• continuous itching or skin rash
• dental problems
• eye irritation
• irritation, redness, dryness in the area where medication was applied
• muscle strain or spasm

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Acne where medication was applied
• burning of the scalp
• changes in blood pressure
• dizziness
• feeling faint
• headache
• inflammation or soreness at the hair root
• persistent local rash
• rapid heartbeat
• rapid weight gain
• sudden weight gain
• swelling of the hands or feet
• temporary hair loss
• unwanted facial hair growth

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• chest pain
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Rogaine For Men (Minoxidil-topical).

Each gram of cream-coloured foam contains 50 mg of minoxidil. Nonmedicinal ingredients: butylhydroxytoluene (BHT), stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, alcohol SD 40B, lactic acid, citric acid anhydrous, glycerol anhydrous, polysorbate 60, propellant Aeropin 70 (propane, butane, isobutane), and purified water.

Do not use Rogaine For Men (Minoxidil-topical) if you:

• are allergic to minoxidil or any ingredients of the solution
• are bald due to non-hereditary factors (e.g., caused by illnesses such as iron deficiency, Thyroid disorders, or medications such as cancer chemotherapy)
• have hair loss associated with childbirth
• have a skin condition on the scalp (e.g., psoriasis or sunburns)
• are or may be pregnant or are nursing
• are using other skin medications or dressings on the scalp (e.g., for psoriasis)
• have shaved, broken, inflamed, irritated, infected, or severely sunburned skin on the scalp
• have untreated high blood pressure
• have recently discontinued certain medications such as birth control or cancer chemotherapy
• have certain grooming habits (e.g., cornrowing, tight ponytails)

There may be an interaction between minoxidil topical solution and any of the following:

• anthralin
• blood-pressure-lowering medications
• Cyclosporine
• other topical (applied to the skin) medications
• topical corticosteroids (e.g., betamethasone, Hydrocortisone)
• tretinoin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Rogaine For Men (Minoxidil-topical). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Rogaine For Men (Minoxidil-topical).

Effectiveness: Minoxidil topical solution may not work for everyone. Rogaine For Men (Minoxidil-topical) is for the scalp of someone who has male pattern baldness or female hair loss or thinning. It has not been shown to work for someone who has a receding hairline. Shedding of hair may occur within 2 to 6 weeks of starting to use this product.  If shedding persists beyond 2 weeks, contact your doctor.  If you do not see any results after 6 months of using this product, contact your doctor.

Eye irritation: Minoxidil will cause irritation and burning of the eyes and nasal passages. If the medication comes in contact with the eyes, flush the eyes well with cool water.

Hair treatments: It is not known if hair colouring, perming, or relaxing agents affect Rogaine For Men (Minoxidil-topical). To avoid irritation to the scalp, make sure Rogaine For Men (Minoxidil-topical) has been washed off the hair and scalp before using these products. Do not reapply minoxidil for 24 hours after using a chemical treatment to make sure your scalp has not been irritated by the perm or colour treatment.

Heart disease: Although Rogaine For Men (Minoxidil-topical) is intended to be used as a topical (surface only) treatment for the scalp, it may be absorbed into the bloodstream and have an effect on heart disease. People with heart disease should discuss with their doctor how Rogaine For Men (Minoxidil-topical) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rogaine For Men (Minoxidil-topical), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: Rogaine For Men (Minoxidil-topical) should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Rogaine For Men (Minoxidil-topical), stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Rogaine For Men (Minoxidil-topical) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using minoxidil, it may affect your baby. Women who are breast-feeding should not use minoxidil.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Rogaine For Men (Minoxidil-topical) have not been established for children under 18 years of age.

Seniors: The safety and effectiveness of using Rogaine For Men (Minoxidil-topical) have not been established for men over the age of 65 years.