Safety
Drug Facts warnings: stop and ask a doctor if you have chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, faintness or dizziness, sudden unexplained weight gain, swollen hands or feet, scalp irritation or unwanted facial hair. Men’s products are labeled not for women.
Legal status
Sold without a prescription; FDA-approved. FDA-approved without a prescription for hereditary hair loss. No regulatory concerns for the products listed here.
What Topical minoxidil (Rogaine and generics) is
Topical minoxidil (Rogaine and generics) contains minoxidil, made by Rogaine and generic over-the-counter brands.
FDA-approved for hereditary hair loss on the top of the scalp, without a prescription (men’s and women’s products).
Dosing
2% or 5% solution, or 5% foam, once or twice a day, depending on the product. Men: 1 mL of solution or half a capful of foam twice a day. Women: half a capful of 5% foam once a day, or 1 mL of 2% solution twice a day. Your clinician sets the dose for you.
How well it works
In a 48-week trial of 393 men, 5% minoxidil produced 45% more regrowth than 2% and worked sooner. The men’s label says results may show at 2 months but can take at least 4; the women’s foam label says 3 to 6 months. Individual results vary.
Topical minoxidil (Rogaine and generics) cost
$12.67 to $15 a month at the providers that publish a monthly price (Hims foam is $19), as of October 2026; it is also sold over the counter. For a full breakdown, read How much does minoxidil cost?.