Q: Is Minoxidil / Rogaine safe when pregnant?

Answer:

Q: Is Minoxidil / Rogaine Safe When Pregnant?

Topical Minoxidil Pregnancy Warnings

A: Minoxidil, the active ingredient found in topical solutions like rogaine, generic, solutions, foam, and pharmacy compounded Formula 82M, has been assigned by the FDA to pregnancy Category C. In Category C, animal reproductive studies reveal adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no adequate or well-controlled studies in humans. In other words, human risk cannot be ruled out, therefore: NOT safe.

Teratogenic Effects / Birth Defects

Minoxidil is listed as Pregnancy Category C:
Oral administration of minoxidil has been associated with evidence of increased fetal resorption in rabbits but not rats, when administered at five times the maximum recommended oral antihypertensive human dose. There was no evidence of teratogenic effects in rats and rabbits. Subcutaneous administration of minoxidil to pregnant rats at 80 mg/kg/day was maternally toxic but not teratogenic. Higher subcutaneous doses produced evidence of developmental toxicity. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Minoxidil should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Nursing Mothers and Minoxidil

There has been one report of minoxidil excretion in the breast milk of a woman treated with 5mg oral minoxidil twice daily for hypertension. Because of the potential for adverse effects in nursing infants from minoxidil absorption, minoxidil (Rogaine) should not be administered to a nursing woman.

At Bauman Medical, we recommend stopping topical minoxidil Formula 82M when pregnant or nursing. Contact Dr. Alan Bauman to ask a question about Minoxidil Safety When Pregnant

References: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/018154s026lbl.pdf

Common Minoxidil Formulations

Compounded Minoxidil: Formula 82M, Formula 82M, 6%, 10%, 15%

Generic and-or Brand Name Rogaine Solutions: 2%, 5%, Solution, Foam, Extra Strength; Kirkland, Keranique, Walgreens
Target, CVS;

Others: Remox, Xandrox, Promox

If you or someone you know has hair loss, hair thinning, baldness, or eyebrow / eyelash concerns, click to start either a long-distance virtual consultation OR an in-person, in-office consultation with Dr. Bauman. You can also Ask Dr. Bauman a Question or simply call Bauman Medical Group  at +1-561-394-0024.