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Minoxidil
Low-dose tablet for thinning hair. Prescribed off-label.
- For men and women
- One daily tablet
- Provider screens heart health
Low-dose tablet, prescribed off-label
Minoxidil tablets are FDA-approved for high blood pressure. Some providers prescribe much lower doses off-label for hair loss in men and women.
- Form
- Tablet
- How often
- Once a day
- Results
- 3 to 12 months
- Use
- Off-label for hair loss
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Quick answer
Minoxidil at a glance
Minoxidil tablets are FDA-approved for high blood pressure.
How it’s taken: tablet, once a day.
It starts at $49/mo at Surna, with provider care included.
A prescription from a licensed provider is required. It’s prescribed off-label for this use.
Updated
How Minoxidil works
Minoxidil widens blood vessels. For hair, it's thought to extend the growth phase and wake up resting follicles.
Hair loss doses are a fraction of blood pressure doses, but it's still a medication that affects your heart and blood vessels, so your provider screens you carefully.
What to expect
Everyone responds differently. Your provider checks in and adjusts your plan along the way.
Months 1–2
Temporary shedding is common as resting hairs make way for new growth.
Months 3–6
Your provider checks in on results and side effects.
Month 12
Full results become clearer. Gains usually reverse after stopping.
Is it right for you?
Your provider makes the final call after reviewing your health history.
Often a good fit
- Men or women with pattern thinning
- Prefer a pill over a topical
- No significant heart or blood pressure problems
Usually not a fit
- Heart failure, heart rhythm problems, or a recent heart attack
- Low blood pressure
- Pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal tumor
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
Not a complete list. Tell your provider about all health conditions and medications.
Possible side effects
Most side effects are mild. Your care team is a message away if something doesn't feel right.
More common
Get medical help right away for
- Chest pain
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid weight gain or significant swelling
- Fainting
For a medical emergency, call 911.
How to take it
Always follow the directions on your label and from your provider.
Take it daily
Take your tablet at the same time each day.
Watch for swelling
Let your care team know about new swelling in your ankles or face.
Give it time
Stick with it for at least a year to judge results.
Minoxidil questions
What does off-label mean?
It means a medication is prescribed for a use that isn't listed on its FDA label. Your provider will explain the benefits and risks.
Is it safe at low doses?
Low doses are generally well tolerated in healthy adults, but side effects can still happen. Your provider screens your heart health and may ask you to check your blood pressure.
Will it grow hair in other places?
It can. Unwanted hair growth on the face or body is the most common side effect, especially in women, and usually goes away after stopping.
Related treatments
See if Minoxidil is right for you.
Answer a few questions and a licensed provider will review your options.
Important safety information
Last updated
Minoxidil tablets are FDA-approved for severe high blood pressure and carry a boxed warning about serious heart effects, including fluid around the heart and worsening chest pain, at those doses. Use for hair loss is off-label. Tell your provider about any heart or blood pressure problems, and get medical help for chest pain, a fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, or fainting.
This medication is prescribed off-label, meaning for a use not listed on its FDA-approved label. Your provider will discuss the benefits and risks with you.
This is not a complete list of risks. Talk with your provider and read the full prescribing information or medication guide.