Last update: Jan. 15, 2019

Minoxidil topical use

Very Low Risk for breastfeeding


Safe. Compatible.
Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

An antihypertensive vasodilator used in the form of a 2%-5% topical solution in androgenetic alopecia.

The small dose and low plasma absorption of most topical dermatological preparations make transfer in significant amounts into breastmilk very unlikely.
Only 1.4% (0.3-4.5%) of minoxidil reaches blood plasma when it is used topically on the skin (Butler 2014, Johnson 2014, Galderma 2013).

Minoxidil taken orally is excreted in breastmilk in clinically insignificant amounts and no problems have been observed in an infant whose mother was taking it (Valdivieso 1985).

It is normal to lose hair in the months following pregnancy and this has nothing to do with breastfeeding but with stopping the resting phase in hair loss that occurs during pregnancy. Within 12 months after delivery, the hair grows back without leaving alopecia.

American Academy of Pediatrics: medication usually compatible with breastfeeding (AAP 2001).


See below the information of this related product:

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Minoxidil topical use since it is relatively safe.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM´s pediatricians and pharmacists, and are based on updated scientific publications.
It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

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Other names

Minoxidil topical use in other languages or writings:

Group

Minoxidil topical use belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Minoxidil topical use in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 1,4% (Dermat.) %
Molecular weight 209 daltons
Protein Binding 0 %
pKa 4,6 -

References

  1. Butler DC, Heller MM, Murase JE. Safety of dermatologic medications in pregnancy and lactation: Part II. Lactation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014 Mar;70(3):417.e1-10; quiz 427. Abstract
  2. Johnson & Johnson. Minoxidil (Rogaine). Drug Summary. 2014 Full text (in our servers)
  3. Galderma. Minoxidil tópico (Lacovin). Ficha técnica. 2013 Full text (in our servers)
  4. AAP - American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs. Transfer of drugs and other chemicals into human milk. Pediatrics. 2001 Sep;108(3):776-89. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Valdivieso A, Valdés G, Spiro TE, Westerman RL. Minoxidil in breast milk. Ann Intern Med. 1985 Abstract

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