TLDR Minoxidil use during pregnancy can cause excessive hair growth and multiple birth defects in the baby.
In 1987, a study was conducted observing the effects of minoxidil, a potent peripheral vasodilating agent used for severe hypertension, on pregnant women and their infants. The study found that hypertrichosis, a condition of excessive hair growth, was a common side effect of minoxidil, occurring in nearly all patients treated for longer than 4 weeks. This side effect was found to be reversible after discontinuation of the drug. The study also reported a case of an infant born with hypertrichosis and multiple congenital anomalies whose mother was on a regimen of minoxidil, captopril, and propranolol throughout her pregnancy. The researchers encouraged further reports on pregnancy outcomes after maternal use of minoxidil.
4 citations
,
January 2017 in “Indian Dermatology Online Journal” A child used a hair growth lotion for hair loss, but it caused excessive hair growth on his face and neck instead.
10 citations
,
February 2016 in “Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia” Topical minoxidil can cause excessive hair growth in children, so use it carefully.
5 citations
,
March 2013 in “Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy” Laser treatment successfully removed unwanted facial hair caused by minoxidil.
18 citations
,
January 1997 in “British Journal of Dermatology” 5% topical minoxidil can cause severe body hair growth, which disappears after stopping treatment.
20 citations
,
March 1994 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology” Too much topical minoxidil can cause excessive hair growth, but stopping treatment reverses it.
36 citations
,
March 1987 in “Pediatrics” Minoxidil use during pregnancy can cause excessive hair growth and multiple birth defects in the baby.
73 citations
,
November 1979 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Minoxidil can cause excessive hair growth.
17 citations
,
April 1975 in “The Journal of Pediatrics” Minoxidil effectively controls severe high blood pressure in children with few side effects.