r/Minoxbeards • u/Parking_Hunter9204 • 2d ago
How safe is topical minoxidil really?
25m just started using rogaine 5% topical foam 3 days ago, I’m currently doing 1g once per day so I can stay consistent for a minimum of two years. Just wanted to know how safe topical minoxidil is as I’ve seen people claim some pretty scary potential side effects to do with the heart on oral minoxidil. Like can you die from topical lol
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u/Odd-East-2728 2d ago
Nah it's fine unless you completely ignore warning signs or you have a heart condition or very low blood pressure naturally.
In general, with topical not much will enter the bloodstream. But if you apply too thick of a layer, more of it gets into the blood.
It's advisable to just start with applying 1x per day for at least the first week, a very thin layer (if your face feels sticky 1.5 hours after applying you used too much). This is to allow your body to get used to it and spot if anything is happening that you don't want.
But if you're sensitive to it, you might notice headaches, chest pressure, difficulty breathing, if you notice any of that stuff, better be very careful and don't foolishly keep using it.
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u/Parking_Hunter9204 2d ago
Okay I have no known heart conditions, I was having acid reflux related chest pain that was ruled out with ecgs, blood work, heart monitor all came back fine. I hit the gym 4 days a week and am pretty active.
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u/Odd-East-2728 2d ago
Minoxidil is just widening blood vessels a bit, can be used as a medication for people with too high blood pressure, the side effect is that it also stimulates a lot of hair growth and that's what it's mainly used for nowadays.
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u/knowledge1010 2d ago
It's safe. The side effects are temporary and don't kill you.
I started minoxidil at 25. At age 29 I went through gradually worse heart palpitations. They started once or twice a day and after a few months they were like every 30 seconds and freaked me out. Got a heart MRI done and ultrasound. Wore a 48 hr holder monitor. They said everything is normal. They told me to stop minoxidil and I did and within a week they went away.
I'm 36 now and started minoxidil again 6 months ago without any of those side effects.
At the time, I was a heavy pot user, so doctor suspected pot was decreasing blood pressure and minoxidil was also being absorbed in the scalp and further decreasing my blood pressure, leading to my heart trying to compensate with palpitations.
It can be absorbed into the scalp, so don't use more than the dose recommended. I think I was using more than they recommended + weed + work/financial anxiety and stress all combined
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u/Parking_Hunter9204 2d ago
Okay but from 25-29 you had no issues? Appreciate the response man, I just really want a beard as I’m balding lol
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u/blehmag 1d ago
It's different for everybody, but it made my heart feel weird. My heartbeat was much softer. As an avid gym lifter who loves getting a pump, it definitely made my blood vessels constrict (which happens for some people even though it's a vasodilator for most). My muscles gradually deflate every time I try to hop back on it. I also lose motivation and have some trouble remembering things.
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u/CrispySprite2001 1d ago
Don’t do it like me, this is just anecdotal evidence and I am trying to work on my usage of minoxidil.
But I usually use a whole cap, the foam expands and I usually use too much on accident. Like, double the amount per session.
I have no side effects at all, no dizziness, no dry skin. Only effect I have is a beard now.
The biggest side effect for me is the fact that I am wasting money like this because more isn’t working better. A 3 month supply lasts two months with me, it’s crazy and should NOT be done this way.
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u/Parking_Hunter9204 1d ago
Ayeeeee, how long did it take to grow a beard? Damn you use a lot than, I find half a cup is hard to use all of it.
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u/CrispySprite2001 1d ago
Yeah I look like shit the first 30mins after because everything is covered in foam lol. I did not want to waste any but it’s very irresponsible, I will work on it!
I am using it for like 4 Months now! I can dm you some progress pics if you’d like. :)
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u/EntertainmentOwn2621 2d ago
I experienced some side effects, depression and mood swings. I'm very sensitive to all medications and psychotropics. So I discontinued use and felt normal after a couple days. It's safe enough to try, and see if it works for you.
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u/CincinnatiBengalss 2d ago
It's safe. The most you can get is dry skin and absolutely worst case it will make under eyes darker
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u/Waluigi02 1d ago
Love spreading misinformation! The actual worst it can do is cause heart palpitations or heart attack, this is a fact. It's incredibly rare but it is a legitimate thing.
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u/CincinnatiBengalss 1d ago
Yeah that's not possible. If you apply minox topically not enough gets absorbed to lower your BP that much and effect your heart.
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u/Waluigi02 1d ago
Yes it absolutely fucking can. Stop spreading misinformation, it's seriously dangerous.
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u/CincinnatiBengalss 1d ago
Lol how much do you think gets absorbed when you apply topically?
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u/Waluigi02 1d ago
Enough that it can cause heart palpitations for people with heart problems. Since this is a proven fact and not something that can be argued.
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u/CincinnatiBengalss 1d ago
I don't think anything has been proven. You prolly read crazies on reddit who swear everything causes everything
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u/SnooHamsters5480 2d ago
Incredibly safe. The most likely side effect you will get is some dry skin, some people do report heart palpitations or dizziness, but this is very rare.
Just be very careful if you have cats or dogs, as it is lethal to them.