Use of the hair loss drug minoxidil by mothers may increase the risk of infantile hypertrichosis, or abnormal hair growth in infants.
The new findings are from a global analysis conducted by researchers from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.
The study analysed 2,664 cases of minoxidil suspected infantile hypertrichosis reported worldwide, including 45 cases involving children aged up to 23 months. Of these, 22.2 per cent were linked to maternal exposure, 44.4 per cent to accidental exposure, and 33.3 per cent to unknown causes.
The findings were published in the journal Archives of Dermatological Research.
Infantile hypertrichosis involves excessive hair growth over the body, including areas that are not typically hairy.
Researchers also identified 1,669 global cases of eye-related disorders associated with minoxidil use, including 25 cases reported from India. Common symptoms included eyelid swelling, blurred vision, and central serous chorioretinopathy, a condition in which fluid accumulates under the retina and affects vision.
Minoxidil was originally developed as a treatment for hypertension before being widely used for hair loss due to its hair growth-stimulating effects. While effective, researchers warned that its over-the-counter availability and limited regulation raise safety concerns, particularly for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Despite existing recommendations against its use during pregnancy and lactation, the study found several cases where maternal exposure was linked to infant health effects. The researchers said their findings highlight the need for greater awareness of potential risks associated with early life or accidental exposure.
The analysis was based on data collected up to March 2025 from the global VigiBase safety database.