The over-the-counter topical hair-loss medication Rogaine contains the drug minoxidil and is available in a formulation for women and a formulation for men. The difference between the two formulations lies in how much minoxidil each contains, with the women's version considered safer for women.

Background

In men's Rogaine, 5 percent of the total volume is minoxidil, as opposed to 2 percent in the formulation for women. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved products containing 5 percent minoxidil per volume for the treatment of hair loss in women due to an increased risk of side effects.

Types of Side Effects

Rogaine has the potential to cause facial hair growth in women, particularly around the forehead and temples, and this problem is exacerbated when women use the men's formulation of the medication. Additionally, Rogaine for men is more likely to cause allergic skin rashes in women, reports Bernstein Medical Center for Hair Restoration.

Risks

A more serious risk associated with women taking men's Rogaine is that of hypotension or low blood pressure, which may result in dizziness, fainting and decreased oxygen supply to the brain and heart, reports the Mayo Clinic.

Considerations

Although solutions that contain 5 percent minoxidil are not approved by the FDA for use in women, some physicians will prescribe prescription versions of the stronger form of the drug for women, explains the American Hair Loss Association. The only time a stronger formulation of minoxidil should be used by women is under a doctor's care; women should not treat themselves with men's Rogaine.

Overall Restrictions

Both types of Rogaine are typically not recommended for use by pregnant women because the effects of minoxidil upon fetal development are unknown. If you have heart disease, hypertension, edema or pheochromocytoma (adrenalin-producing tumor), it may not be safe for you to take either formula of Rogaine, cautions the Physician's Desktop Reference

Source:

Mayo Clinic: Minoxidil (Topical Route)

Physicians Desktop Reference: Rogaine

Bernstein Medical Center for Hair Restoration: Rogaine

More Information:

American Hair Loss Assocation: Women's Hair Loss

FDA: Drug Facts

Mayo Clinic: Low blood pressure (hypotension)