Minoxidil; Frequent Questions and Answers-2

Q 2-18.
Can a Mother Use Topical Minoxidil during Breastfeeding?

A 2-18.

Topical minoxidil is absorbed from the skin, enters into the blood circulation, and it is distributed to the body. A small amount of minoxidil may be excreted into breast milk.

There may be a potential risk of adverse effects of minoxidil in a breastfed baby. Minoxidil will work not only on a nursing mother but also on a baby.

Side effects of minoxidil in a baby will disappear after stopping breastfeeding, anyway. Thickening of scalp hair and body hair of a baby will return to normal again.

If a mother worries about possible adverse effects of minoxidil on a newborn baby, she had better stop topical minoxidil during lactation. Cessation of topical minoxidil for 6-12 months doesn’t matter.

A mother can resume topical minoxidil after the baby is weaned from the breast. Minoxidil should be used for life anyway.

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