Can I use minoxidil or Rogaine ® to grow my eyelashes

Oral minoxidil is a medication that was first approved by the FDA for treating high blood pressure in 1979. Hair growth was one of the major side effects found in minoxidil. The hair growth happens everywhere, not just the scalp and body but even areas such as the genitals, eyebrows, and eyelashes. As a result, the topical form of minoxidil, Rogaine ®, was formulated for minoxidil to be applied topically. Since then, dermatologists have started to use not only low dose oral minoxidil but also injectable forms of minoxidil into the scalp directly to maximize hair growth because of the limitations of using topical minoxidil.

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The current available topical form of minoxidil over the counter, such as Rogaine ® is too irritating to be applied on the eye lashes. Risk of irritation and getting topical minoxidil solution or foam into the eyes.

Can minoxidil be used for eyebrow growth?

Yes, topical minoxidil may be applied to the eyebrows but must be done very carefully to avoid getting anything into the eyes.