Minoxidil is used to stimulate hair growth and to slow balding. It is most effective for people under 40 years of age whose hair loss is recent. Minoxidil has no effect on receding hairlines.¹

Minoxidil works by relaxing the blood vessels so blood can flow more easily through the body. Research on why it is effective is ongoing, but it appears this increased blood flow delivers more oxygen to hair follicles to stimulate growth.²

Yes, both men and women can use minoxidil 5% foam.³

Three special applicators are provided: a metered-spray applicator for large scalp areas, an extender spray applicator (used with the metered-spray applicator) for small areas or under the hair, and a rub-on applicator.

Remove the outer and inner caps from the bottle, choose an applicator and screw it tightly onto the bottle.

To use the extender spray applicator, first assemble the metered-spray applicator, and then follow the instructions provided to attach the extender spray applicator. Pump the metered-spray or extender spray applicator six times for each dose. Try not to inhale the mist. Place the large cap on the metered-spray bottle or the small cap on the extender spray nozzle when not in use.

To use the rub-on applicator, hold the bottle upright and squeeze it until the upper chamber of the applicator is filled to the black line. Then turn the bottle upside down and rub on the medication. Place the large cap on the bottle when not in use. If you use your fingertips to apply the medication, wash them thoroughly afterward.

Do not apply minoxidil to a sunburned or irritated scalp.⁴

Minoxidil comes as a liquid to be applied to your scalp. Minoxidil usually is used twice a day.

Follow the directions on your package or prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use minoxidil exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than directed by your doctor.⁵

No, minoxidil should be applied to dry hair and scalp only. Do not apply it to other body areas and keep it away from your eyes and sensitive skin. If it accidentally comes in contact with these areas, wash them with lots of cool water; call your doctor if they become irritated.⁶

You should allow the minoxidil to completely dry for two to four hours after applying it, including before going to bed. Minoxidil can stain clothing, hats or bed linens if your hair or scalp is not fully dry after using the medicine.⁷

You must use minoxidil for at least four months, and possibly for up to one year, before you see any effects. Exceeding the recommended dosage does not produce greater or faster hair growth and may cause increased side effects.⁸

Minoxidil foam is available at 5% strength from RedBox Rx.

Yes, minoxidil 5% foam is available both over-the-counter and by prescription from a licensed medical provider.⁹ You can purchase from a pharmacy or an online pharmacy like RedBox Rx.

With RedBox Rx you can get minoxidil 5% foam for as low as $13.33 per month, no insurance required and no membership fees. We are able to offer low prices because we purchase minoxidil directly from manufacturers and ship from our pharmacy in Iowa.

Our online consultation for men’s hair loss or women’s hair loss is free.

Minoxidil foam and liquid minoxidil are generally comparable in effectiveness, but foam may be easier and more comfortable for some people to use.

The main difference is that liquid minoxidil typically contains propylene glycol, which helps the medication penetrate the skin but can cause irritation, itching or a dry, flaky scalp in some people. Foam formulations do not contain propylene glycol, which may make it less irritating and easier to tolerate. The foam also tends to dry more quickly and can be less messy than the liquid solution.¹⁰

The main difference between oral minoxidil and minoxidil 5% foam is how you use the medication. Oral minoxidil is a low-dose tablet that is taken orally on a daily basis. Minoxidil 5% foam is a topical treatment applied to the skin in areas the user would like to regrow hair. The oral and topical forms of minoxidil also have different side effects.

Oral minoxidil side effects include:¹¹

• Increase in size or darkness of fine body hair

• Breast tenderness

• Headache

• Nausea

• Vomiting

Topical minoxidil side effects include:¹²

• Stinging and redness at the application site

• Rash (rare)

To learn more about how the two forms compare, check out our blog post: Oral vs. Topical Minoxidil: How Do They Compare.

Oral and topical minoxidil deliver the same active ingredient in different ways, so they generally should not be used together. Combining the two increases your total minoxidil exposure, which can raise the risk of side effects such as unwanted body hair growth, dizziness and fluid retention. Research also suggests adding topical minoxidil to oral minoxidil provides little additional benefit.¹³ Do not combine the two forms unless your provider directs you to.

Yes, minoxidil 5% foam and finasteride are often prescribed together for men’s hair loss. Because the two medications work through different mechanisms, combining them can be more effective than either one alone. in a six-month study of men taking topical minoxidil with finasteride, 90% saw moderate to marked improvement in hair density and diameter, results that were significantly superior to minoxidil alone.¹⁴ RedBox Rx’s licensed healthcare providers can help determine whether adding minoxidil to your treatment plan is right for you.

Yes, minoxidil 5% foam and dutasteride can be prescribed together for men’s hair loss. Because the two medications work through different mechanisms, pairing a DHT blocker like dutasteride with minoxidil can make hair loss treatment more effective.¹⁵ RedBox Rx’s licensed healthcare providers can help you weigh the benefits and potential side effects of combination treatment.

Yes, minoxidil 5% foam and spironolactone can be used together because they address women’s hair loss differently. Spironolactone is an anti-androgen that blocks the hormones that contribute to female-pattern hair loss, while oral minoxidil stimulates hair follicles by increasing blood flow to the scalp.¹⁶ Spironolactone is not prescribed to men. Learn more about spironolactone.

Before using minoxidil:¹⁷

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to minoxidil or any other drugs.

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while using minoxidil. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, liver or scalp disease.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using minoxidil, call your doctor.

• Plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. Minoxidil may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.¹⁸

Minoxidil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• Scalp itching, dryness, scaling, flaking, irritation, or burning

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• Weight gain

• Swelling of the face, ankles, hands or stomach

• Difficulty breathing (especially when lying down)

• Rapid heartbeat

• Chest pain

• Lightheadedness

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).¹⁹

With minoxidil 5% foam, you can continue with your regular diet unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. With oral minoxidil, you may be placed on a low-salt or low-sodium diet.^20,21

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.²²

After stopping treatment, the body will return to previous hair growth levels but may take a few months to return to baseline.²³

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location, out of their sight and reach. Learn more at http://www.upandaway.org.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.²⁴

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Minoxidil is for external use only. Do not let minoxidil get into your eyes, nose or mouth, and do not swallow it. Do not apply dressings, bandages, cosmetics, lotions or other skin medications to the area being treated unless your doctor tells you.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.²⁵

The brand names for minoxidil 5% foam are Rogaine® and Theroxidil®.²⁶

We also prescribe the following medications for hair loss:

• Finasteride (Generic Propecia®) for men

• Dutasteride (Generic Avodart®) for men

• Minoxidil tablet for men and women

• Spironolactone (Generic Aldactone®) for women

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