The Basics
What is Minoxidil?
Used to help hair growth in the treatment of male pattern baldness.
Brand names for Minoxidil
Minoxidil
How Minoxidil is classified
Antihypertensive Agents, Vasodilator Agents
Minoxidil During Pregnancy
Minoxidil pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Minoxidil while pregnant
Oral administration of minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil tablets) tablets) tablets) 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 (minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil tablets) tablets) tablets) 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 (minoxidil (minoxidil (minoxidil tablets) tablets) tablets) should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Taking Minoxidil While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Minoxidil?
Because of the minimal amount of information on this potent agent, use minoxidil with caution, particularly when therapy involves a large maternal dosage or breastfeeding a newborn. Topical minoxidil should pose low risk to the breastfed infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Because of the minimal amount of information on this potent agent, use minoxidil with caution, particularly when therapy involves a large maternal dosage or breastfeeding a newborn. Topical minoxidil should pose low risk to the breastfed infant.
Possible effects of Minoxidil on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Minoxidil
Enalapril, Hydrochlorothiazide, Methyldopa, Propranolol.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Valdivieso A, Valdes G, Spiro TE et al. Minoxidil in breast milk. Ann Intern Med. 1985;102:135. Letter. PMID: 3966734
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
