Hair Loss Drug Minoxidil Linked to Infant Risks, Global Study Warns

• Global analysis links mothers' minoxidil use to infantile hypertrichosis (abnormal hair growth) in infants.
• Researchers from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and AIIMS, New Delhi, analyzed 2,664 cases, with 45 involving infants aged 0-23 months.
• Of infant cases, 22.2% were due to maternal exposure, 44.4% accidental, and 33.3% from unknown causes.
• Minoxidil also associated with eye disorders like eyelid oedema and blurred vision in 1,669 global cases, including 25 from India.
• Concerns raised over minoxidil's over-the-counter availability and lack of regulation, despite recommendations against use by pregnant/breastfeeding women.

Why It Matters: Global study links maternal minoxidil use to infant hypertrichosis and eye disorders, raising safety concerns.