What are the side effects of minoxidil?

Minoxidil, commonly known as Rogaine, can lead to a variety of side effects. One of the primary concerns is its impact on blood pressure; it can significantly lower blood pressure, and the extent of this effect varies based on individual sensitivity to the medication. This necessitates starting with a low dosage and gradually increasing it to find the minimal effective dose that avoids severe side effects 1.

Additionally, minoxidil can cause increases in the hormone prolactin, which negatively interacts with dopamine, leading to possible reductions in libido, overall well-being, and in severe cases, physical changes like gynecomastia (increase in male breast tissue) or milk production 1.

Common side effects also include swelling of the ankles, headaches, and dizziness, which are related to its vasodilatory effects and changes in blood pressure. Both men and women are susceptible to these side effects, making proper dosing critical 2.