Understanding the Safety Profile of Topical Minoxidil: A Retrospective Review

December 2025 in “ Archives of Dermatological Research ”

J Suresh, Rohit Saxena, Vivekanandan Kalaiselvan

topical minoxidil infantile hypertrichosis eye disorders eyelid oedema blurred vision Rogaine

TLDR Topical minoxidil can cause unwanted hair growth and eye issues, especially in infants, so better education and guidelines are needed.

This retrospective review investigates the safety profile of topical minoxidil, highlighting concerns about its use, especially in pregnant and breastfeeding women. The study analyzed data from VigiBase® and found 2,664 global cases of infantile hypertrichosis linked to minoxidil, with 45 cases involving children aged 0–23 months. Of these, 22.2% were due to maternal exposure, 44.4% accidental, and 33.3% unknown. Additionally, 1,669 global cases of eye disorders were reported, with 25 from India, including symptoms like eyelid oedema and blurred vision. The study emphasizes the need for caregiver education, stricter regulations, and clearer usage guidelines to prevent accidental exposure and misuse of minoxidil.

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