Brand name:

Rogaine

Pronounced: ROW-gane

Generic name: Minoxidil

What this drug is used for

Rogaine is a liquid scalp application that helps some men and women regrow hair in gradually thinning areas on the top of the head. Regular-strength formulations of Rogaine are available for both men and women. Rogaine Extra Strength is for use by men only.

Rogaine's effect on each person is different, and can't be predicted. For some people, it doesn't work at all; and no one can expect 100-percent regrowth. Chances of success are best if you have been losing your hair for a short time or have little initial hair loss.

It generally takes at least 4 months for regular-strength Rogaine to begin producing regrowth. Rogaine Extra Strength may begin working in as little as 2 months. Women see best results in approximately 8 months; for men, up to a year is required. To keep the new hair, you must continue using the product. If you stop, you will probably lose the regrown hair within 3 to 4 months.

All types of Rogaine come in dropper and sprayer packages. The women's sprayer includes an extender. Each bottle includes enough liquid for 25 to 30 days.

How should you use this medication?

The usual dosage is 1 milliliter applied directly to the affected area of the scalp 2 times a day. There is no need to change your usual hair care routine when using Rogaine. However, you should apply it first and wait for it to dry before applying any styling aids. Use a mild shampoo if you wash your scalp before applying Rogaine. Make sure the medicine comes into direct contact with the scalp. If only the hair is moistened, the treatment will not work.

If you miss one or two daily doses of Rogaine, do not try to make them up; just return to your regular schedule. Allow the product to remain on your scalp for about 4 hours before washing your hair. Using any type of Rogaine more frequently or liberally than recommended will not improve results.

If you use your hands to apply Rogaine, wash them afterwards. Do not take the product by mouth or apply it to other parts of the body.

* DROPPER APPLICATION

While squeezing the rubber bulb, insert the dropper into the bottle.

Release the bulb, allowing the dropper to fill to the 1 mL line. If the level of the solution rises above the 1 mL line, squeeze the extra amount back into the bottle.

Place the tip of the dropper near the part of the scalp you are treating and gently squeeze the bulb to gradually release the solution. To keep the solution from running off the scalp, apply a small amount at a time.

* SPRAYER APPLICATION

Insert the spray applicator into the bottle and twist it on firmly. (If you are using Rogaine for Women, continue by pulling off the small spray head from the plastic tube and replacing it with the extender spray. Push down firmly, then remove the cap from the end of the extender spray.)

Pump the spray 6 times to get one full dose (1 milliliter). Be careful not to inhale the mist.

Do not take this medication if...

If you have no family history of hair loss, or if hair loss is sudden, patchy, and unexplained, do not use Rogaine. Instead, see your doctor. An underlying disease or drug reaction may be at work.

You should also avoid Rogaine if the scalp is red, inflamed, infected, irritated, or painful, if you are using other prescription products on the scalp, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Rogaine.

Remember that Rogaine Extra Strength is not for use by women. It can cause growth of facial hair, and could be harmful during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

None of the Rogaine products are for the normal hair loss that may accompany childbirth, and are not for use in children under 18.

Special warnings about this medication

Stop using Rogaine and see your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

* Chest pain, rapid heartbeat, faintness, or dizziness

* Sudden, unexplained weight gain

* Swollen hands or feet

* Redness or irritation of the scalp

The most common side effects of Rogaine are itching and other skin irritations on the treated area of the scalp. They are more likely if you use the extra-strength formulation. All varieties of Rogaine contain alcohol, which can cause burning or irritation of the eyes or sensitive skin areas. If the solution accidentally gets into those areas, rinse with large amounts of cold water. Contact your doctor if irritation continues.

Rogaine is not effective against the type of hair loss caused by medications, severe nutritional problems such as iron deficiency, or medical conditions such as hypothyroidism. The product is also ineffective for hair loss due to scarring or deep scalp burns from hair-care products, or hair loss due to grooming methods such as corn-rowing, which pull the hair tightly back from the scalp.

When you first start using Rogaine, hair loss may continue--or even increase-- for up to 2 weeks. However, such hair loss should be temporary. If you continue to lose hair after 2 weeks, see your doctor.

To prevent scalp irritation, make sure all of the Rogaine has been washed off your hair and scalp before using chemical products such as hair coloring or permanents. After using a chemical product, wait 24 hours before applying Rogaine Extra Strength.

Rogaine can cause unwanted hair growth elsewhere on the body. Be careful to limit use of the product to the scalp alone.

If you do not see hair regrowth after 8 to 12 months of regular-strength Rogaine, stop using the product and see your doctor. Check with your doctor after 4 months if Rogaine Extra Strength fails to produce results.