Rogaine is used for:

Regrowing hair in patients who have gradually thinning hair or gradual hair loss on the top of the head.

Rogaine is a vasodilator. Exactly how Rogaine works to regrow scalp hair is not known. It may dilate blood vessels in the scalp. This may improve hair follicle function and stimulate scalp hair growth.

Do NOT use Rogaine if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Rogaine
you are a woman
you only have hair loss toward the front of your head (eg, a receding hair line); Rogaine is not used to treat this kind of hair loss
you have no family history of hair loss or you do not know the reason for your hair loss
you have sudden or patchy hair loss
your scalp is red, inflamed, infected, or painful
you are using other medicines on your scalp

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Rogaine :

Some medical conditions may interact with Rogaine . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have heart, blood pressure, or blood vessel problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Rogaine . Because little, if any, of Rogaine is absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.

Ask your health care provider if Rogaine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Rogaine :

Use Rogaine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Rogaine comes with an extra patient leaflet. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
Apply half a capful to the area of hair loss as directed.
Do NOT apply to red, irritated, or inflamed skin.
Rogaine is only for use on the top of the head. Do NOT apply to other parts of the body.
Wash your hands after using Rogaine .
Use Rogaine on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Continue to use Rogaine even when your hair begins to grow. Do not miss any doses.
If you miss a dose of Rogaine , use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Rogaine .

Important safety information:

Rogaine may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Rogaine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Rogaine is for topical use only. Avoid getting Rogaine in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you get Rogaine in your eyes, wash them out with cool tap water.
It may take 2 to 4 months for Rogaine to work. If you do not see hair regrowth after 4 months, check with your doctor.
If you stop using Rogaine regularly, you may lose the hair that has regrown. Your hair loss may begin again.
Do NOT use more than the recommended dose or use more often than directed without checking with your doctor.
Rogaine may cause harm if it is swallowed. If you may have taken it by mouth, contact your poison control center or emergency room right away.
Rogaine is extremely flammable. Do not get near fire or a flame. Do not smoke while using or right after using Rogaine .
Talk with your doctor before you use any other medicines on your scalp.
Rogaine should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 18 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Rogaine may cause harm to the fetus. It is not known if Rogaine is found in breast milk. Rogaine should not be used by women.

Possible side effects of Rogaine :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Changes in hair color or texture.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dizziness; fainting; fast heartbeat; redness or irritation of the scalp; sudden, unexplained weight gain; swelling of the hands or feet; unwanted facial hair growth.