Hair loss treatment drug Minoxidil exposure could cause eye health disorders in infants, warns report

Minoxidil was initially developed as a blood pressure medication but was reformulated as a hair-growth treatment after hair growth was observed as a side effect (Image: Pexels)

• Minoxidil exposure linked to eye disorders and excess hair growth in infants
• Over 1,600 global cases of minoxidil-related eye side effects reported
• Experts urge clearer warnings and stricter regulation for minoxidil products

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Minoxidil, a popular over-the-counter drug to stop hair loss, could cause eye disorders in infants. This was reported by a study, authored by Dr V Kalaiselvan and Dr Jaishree Suresh of the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, health ministry, and Dr Rohit Saxena of the Dr Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS, New Delhi. The analysis flagged 1,600 reported cases of eye disorder worldwide, and more than 45 cases of excessive hair growth in infants aged up to 23 months because of exposure to minoxidil.

What the study found

A safety review of adverse drug reports in the WHO’s global database revealed:

Over 45 cases of excessive hair growth in infants up to 23 months old because of minoxidil exposure, often unintentionally.

Also read | 6 major causes behind hair thinning that you should not ignore

More than 1,600 reports worldwide of eye-related side effects suspected to be associated with minoxidil use, including eyelid swelling and blurred vision.

Some serious eye disorders such as central serous chorioretinopathy and retinal artery occlusion were also identified after deduplication of adverse event data.

These findings raise concerns about minoxidil’s side effects, especially in households with pregnant women or infants. Although no infant cases were reported from India, researchers believe this may be due to under-reporting rather than an absence of risk, considering the widespread use of topical minoxidil.

Health risks of Minoxidil

Minoxidil was initially developed as a blood pressure medication but was reformulated as a hair-growth treatment after hair growth was observed as a side effect. Today, topical minoxidil is one of the most commonly used hair-loss therapies globally. However, health authorities are concerned that its over-the-counter availability, aggressive promotion, and limited counselling have contributed to its rapid spread, especially among pregnant women and families with children.

Also read | Dermatologist explains how sleep hygiene directly affects hair growth and what you can do

Common eye symptoms

Among the eye disorders linked to minoxidil use, frequent complaints included:

Eyelid swelling: Blurred vision

Doctors also noted less common but serious conditions affecting deeper eye structures. Experts suggest these issues may arise from direct contact with the medication near the eyes or, in rare cases, systemic absorption. For context, other medications used around the eye, such as bimatoprost for eyelash growth, also carry risks of eye irritation and visual side effects if misused.

Risks to infants and pregnant users

The review found that among infant exposure cases:

22.2 percent involved maternal exposure during pregnancy or breastfeeding

44.4 percent occurred via accidental contact

33.3 percent had unclear exposure routes

Minoxidil is generally contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential risks to the baby, a warning many users may not be fully aware of.

How to stay safe

The authors of the reported the following safety standards:

Clearer warning labels on hair-loss products

Stricter over-the-counter regulation

Routine counselling by pharmacists or clinicians

Safe storage out of reach of children and away from infant contact

These steps aim to prevent avoidable minoxidil side effects and accidental exposure while maintaining its benefits for adults who genuinely need hair-loss treatment.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.