Written by: Dr. Kapil Dua, MBBS MS, ABHRS-Certified, FISHRS  · Co-Founder, AK Clinics ·  Updated April 2026 ⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is written by Dr. Kapil Dua for educational purposes based on clinical experience and published literature. It does not constitute personalised medical advice. Always consult a qualified dermatologist before starting, changing, or stopping any hair loss treatment. Minoxidil side effects affect a meaningful proportion of users, and understanding them before you start treatment is essential. Minoxidil is one of the most commonly used and clinically proven treatments for hair loss in both men and women. It is available over the […]

What is Minoxidil? Minoxidil is an anti-hypertensive peripheral vasodilator drug being primarily used for different patterns of baldness and hair loss in men & women. It belongs to the drug class of pyrimidine derivatives (Arteriolar smooth muscle). It is commonly known by the trade name as “Rogaine”outside of India and Mintop, Tugain, Regaine, etc. in India. How Minoxidil was discovered and what were the earlier forms of Minoxidil? Earlier, Minoxidil was used to treat the hypertension in the form of pills named as “Loniten.” But researchers noticed that it also helps in the hair growth. So, its use as medicine […]

Que: I had been using Minoxidil 10% lotion for almost a year and then I switched over to 12.5%. But when I was using 12.5%, I started having skin irritations and other skin problems. So, I stopped using the Minoxidil 12.5%, but now I would like to return to Minoxidil 10%. Can I do that? Ans: If the Minoxidil 10% did not cause you any problems in the past, there is no reason why you should not be able to return to it, once again.

Que: I am 20 years old and because of dandruff, I have lost a lot of hair. I started using Minoxidil and now I want to know, how much longer I will have to continue to use it? Ans: Normally, dandruff does not cause hair loss, but people who have hair loss, could have dandruff. It would be best that you meet a hair specialist, who will be able to diagnose the cause of the hair loss as well as the dandruff. There is a chance that both might require separate treatments, however, there is a chance that both the […]

Que: I had a hair transplant with 6500 grafts and it’s been almost 14 months. I had been asked by my doctor to use Minoxidil, but I am wondering if I can stop now. I use it only once a night, but I am scared that if I stop using it, I might end up losing my hair. What should I do? Ans: Male pattern baldness is a progressive condition, which is why even after a hair transplant, we ask our patients to continue using Minoxidil. Ideally, you should continue to use it, because it will only help with the […]

Que: I underwent an FUE transplant procedure about 15 days back, and I would like to know whether I should use Minoxidil to help improve my hair growth? Ans: In most cases, we prescribe Minoxidil when there is original hair on the scalp, along with hair that has been transplanted. The idea is that the original hair will be preserved, because there is hardly any effect of the medication on hair that has been transplanted. So, the decision of using Minoxidil is completely yours or you could talk to your surgeon. Hair Fall Prevention & Causes Hair Restoration Hair Loss […]