What is the difference in the percentage of minoxidil ?

Question

i have been using minoxidil 5% for a long time and i have noticed that my hair fall have stopped to a great extent. i have seen minoxidil with 10% in the store too..should i go for it to regain the loss hair ??

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Topical minoxidil usually comes in 5% strength.  Higher percentages would mean there is more minoxidil concentration.  Higher percentages do not mean it will work better.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

It's a common question. Minoxidil is only FDA approved for 2% and 5 %. Not 10%, not 15 %. Not 17.5%. I have seen many, many patients with dizziness, headaches, heart palpitations at the higher doses- and a few who feel extremely unwell. Any use if minoxidil above 5% is an off label use and carries unknown risks. Furthermore, there is absolutely no scientific proof that higher concentrations are consistently better than the FDA approved strengths.

Sara Wasserbauer, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

The percentage is just the concentration of minoxidil. 2% and 5% are the only two FDA approved. The higher the concentration above 5% does not mean you will get that much better results.

Brian Goertz, MD (retired) · Answer

Side effects with higher doses are more common. Use as directed on the label of the 5% solution. Remember to use it on a dry scalp and not after a shower to minimize systemic absorption.

What is the difference in the percentage of minoxidil ?

Answers (4)

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