What are minoxidil side effects?

Side effects include lightheadedness, headache, allergy are most common. Rare heart effects such a cardiac tamponade (life threatening) are found with doses above 2.5mgs but is rare.

Other side effects (taken from Mayo Clinic) for topical applications include:

• Acne at site of application
• burning of scalp
• facial hair growth
• increased hair loss
• inflammation or soreness at root of hair
• reddened skin
• swelling of face

Particularly with systemic absorption either orally or too high a topical dose these side effects include:

• Blurred vision or other changes in vision
• chest pain
• dizziness
• fainting
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• flushing
• headache
• lightheadedness
• numbness or tingling of hands, feet, or face
• swelling of face, hands, feet, or lower legs
• weight gain (rapid)
• Cardiac tamponade