Nanoxidil Vs. Minoxidil: Drug Comparison

Nanoxidil^® is a topical product for thinning hair. It is a compound that is supposedly similar to minoxidil and purportedly increases the appearance of hair density, thickness, and volume. It is not approved for use as a drug in the United States, and information about Nanoxidil is limited.

Rogaine^® (minoxidil) is a topical medication used to treat hair loss and promote hair regrowth by stimulating hair follicles and increasing blood flow to the scalp. Its FDA-approved indication is for the treatment of male and female pattern baldness. Rogaine is available in both foam and solution forms and is applied directly to the scalp, typically once or twice daily. Common side effects include scalp irritation, itching, and unwanted facial hair growth in some cases. Caution is advised for individuals with scalp conditions or those using other topical products, and it should not be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women without consulting a healthcare provider.

Topical minoxidil is available in many formulations, including some meant for use in women. The information below is specifically about Mens Rogaine Extra Strength Unscented^® and may not be accurate for other formulations of topical minoxidil.

Information about Nanoxidil is limited

Vasodilator

Nanoxidil is not approved as a drug in the United States

Rogaine^® (minoxidil) is used:

• To regrow hair on the top of the scalp

• Typically applied topically

• Typically applied topically twice daily

• Comes in a topical solution with dropper

Information about Nanoxidil is limited

Stop use and ask a doctor if:

• Chest pain, rapid heartbeat, faintness, or dizziness occurs

• Sudden, unexplained weight gain occurs

• Your hands or feet swell

• Scalp irritation or redness occurs

• Unwanted facial hair growth occurs

• You do not see hair regrowth in 4 months

Information about Nanoxidil is limited

• For external use only

• For use by men only

• Flammable: Keep away from fire or flame

• Do not use if:

  • You are a woman

  • Your amount of hair loss is different than that shown on the carton or your hair loss is on the front of the scalp. 5% minoxidil topical solution is not intended for frontal baldness or receding hairline

  • You have no family history of hair loss

  • Your hair loss is sudden and/or patchy

  • You do not know the reason for your hair loss

  • You are under 18 years of age. Do not use on babies and children

  • Your scalp is red, inflamed, infected, irritated, or painful

  • You use other medicines on the scalp

Information about Nanoxidil is limited

• Ask a doctor before use if you have heart disease

• When using this product:

  • Do not apply on other parts of the body

  • Avoid contact with the eyes. In case of accidental contact, rinse eyes with large amounts of cool tap water

  • Some people have experienced changes in hair color and/or texture

  • It takes time to regrow hair. Results may occur at 2 months with twice a day usage. For some men, you may need to use this product for at least 4 months before you see results

  • The amount of hair regrowth is different for each person. This product will not work for all men

• May be harmful if used when pregnant or breastfeeding

Information about Nanoxidil^® is limited. This information was taken, in part, from DS Labs' website.

*This information is from the label for Mens Rogaine Extra Strength Unscented^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Minoxidil, the active ingredient in Men Rogaine Extra Strength Unscented, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient minoxidil.