HomeAnswersInternal MedicineminoxidilI recently got pregnant. Is taking Minoxidil harmful?

I just found out I am pregnant. Is there any risk of malformation from Minoxidil?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At February 28, 2018
Reviewed AtFebruary 21, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am 28 year old female who is overweight. I have been using Minoxidil 5 % topical solution for alopecia areata on the scalp. I just found out my urine pregnancy test is positive. Now I have stopped using it. I might be in the early weeks of pregnancy. Should I be worried about the fetus? Is there any risk of malformation? Can you please let me know as soon as possible?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Truly speaking, there is no much data available on this. So, it is not possible to say convincingly anything. It basically falls in category C meaning, no human studies are available but animal studies have shown some adverse effects. This is for oral consumption and prolonged intake. But, in your case, it being topical and for a very short period, the probability of the child having any congenital anomalies is very less.

Even in females with oral consumption, some children have had some problems but the mother had other problems as well. So no convincing data is available. But, in you, the probability is less. So I think, at this moment there is no need to worry since chances of malformations are less, but you should get a malformation scan done at 16 to 18 weeks of pregnancy.

Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode
Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode

Cardiology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Internal Medicine

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy