Popular hair loss treatment linked to infant hair growth, adult eye disorders

Sumit Jha

Jan 04, 2026

Health

Health

A popular OTC hair loss treatment is causing excessive hair growth in infants through skin contact and breastfeeding, whilst triggering serious eye disorders in adults.

Health

Minoxidil, originally developed as a blood pressure medication, was later reformulated as a topical treatment for hair loss after doctors noticed it promoted hair growth as a side effect. 

Health

The drug is now widely available without prescription in the form of sprays and foams for treating androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness.

Health

The findings aim to strengthen drug safety awareness and improve reporting practices, particularly in countries like India where minoxidil use remains widespread and largely unmonitored.