Minoxidil and Pregnancy: What You Should Know

We were recently asked a question about whether women who are experiencing hair loss can use minoxidil when they are pregnant or breast-feeding.

When it comes to medications and your child, don't take any chances. It is very important to check with your doctor before using any medications while pregnant or breast-feeding.

First, we should mention that the FDA has not approved minoxidil for any indications other than pattern hair loss. According to a regulatory compliance guidance document from the FDA,1 minoxidil should not be used for hair loss associated with child birth. (“Do not use if… hair loss is associated with childbirth.”)

Information from both the FDA and the National Institutes of Health recommend speaking with a doctor or health professional before using minoxidil if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

The FDA guidance document mentioned above states: “if pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.” The NIH's MedlinePlus website2 provides a similar recommendation: “Before using minoxidil… tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using minoxidil, call your doctor.”

While we are not aware of any large, systematic studies of minoxidil use during pregnancy, a group of physicians from the Università di Firenze in Italy reported a case of a woman who used 2% topical minoxidil during her pregnancy and whose fetus developed abnormally.3 While no causal effect was established, the authors conclude: “Further knowledge on minoxidil-induced fetal toxicity would be beneficial before allowing its use in pregnant women.”

Remember - if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, talk to your doctor before using any products that contain minoxidil. And please keep the questions coming!

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1. FDA Guidance: "Example Drug Facts Label for Minoxidil Topical Solution 2% for Men and Women". Link to FDA website

2. MedlinePlus drug information: Minoxidil Topical. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a689003.html

3. Smorlesi C, Caldarella A, Caramelli L, Di Lollo S, Moroni F. Topically applied minoxidil may cause fetal malformation: a case report. Birth Defects Res A Clin Mol Teratol. 2003 Dec;67(12):997-1001. Link to PubMed