Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss
Oral minoxidil is a hair loss medication prescribed to treat conditions like androgenetic alopecia, also known as female or male pattern hair loss.
Unlike the topical variation, low-dose oral minoxidil requires a prescription. It is only prescribed following a detailed consultation to assess if a patient is a suitable candidate for this off-label treatment.
To find out if oral minoxidil for your hairline is right for you, book a Zoom consultation with Dr Bonaros — a leading hair loss specialist and hair transplant surgeon in Glasgow.
Reviewed by Dr Epameinondas Bonaros
Table of Contents
How Oral Minoxidil Works For Hair Loss
Oral minoxidil was originally developed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). However, during the clinical trial period, researchers noted an unexpected side effect — hypertrichosis, or excessive hair growth.
While it’s not fully understood how minoxidil stimulates hair growth, the most common theory is that it prolongs the anagen phase, also known as the ‘growth phase’ or ‘active phase’ in the hair growth cycle.
The results of this hair loss treatment vary among patients, but oral minoxidil tablets generally produce the following effects:
Slowed reduction of the hair follicle size
Vasodilation, thus improving circulation
Prolonged anagen phase
Increased nutrient-dense blood flow around hair follicles
Stimulated hair growth
Oral minoxidil effectively treats hair loss through decreased hair shedding and increased scalp hair growth. However, it’s important to note that oral minoxidil only slows down or stops the hair loss process. It doesn’t cure hair loss completely.
Using Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss
Before deciding whether a minoxidil treatment for hair loss is right for you, there are a few factors to consider.
Oral Minoxidil Dosage for Hair Loss
Oral minoxidil is a tablet that is usually taken once or twice a day as an effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia (female or male pattern baldness). It can also be used for other hair loss conditions like telogen effluvium (excessive hair loss caused by several potential factors, including stress).
The dosage of your oral minoxidil tablets is specific to the current state of your hair loss condition. It also depends on your biological sex, as female patients generally receive lower doses compared to males.
When it comes to oral minoxidil dosage for male hair loss, the standard dosage ranges from 0.25 mg up to 5 mg daily. For women with female pattern baldness, the recommended dosage ranges from 0.25 mg to 2.5 mg.
Oral Minoxidil Results
Hair loss conditions like traction alopecia (hair loss from tightly-pulled hairstyles) and male and female pattern hair loss can cause low self-esteem. At Dr Bonaros’ hair transplant clinic, our goal is to effectively treat hair loss with safe and reliable methods. That’s why we work closely with patients to ensure the correct dosage is given when prescribing oral minoxidil to treat hair disorders.
Patients prescribed oral minoxidil tablets can expect to see a significant increase in hair thickness, improved growth and global hair density.
Oral Minoxidil Side Effects
There are several adverse effects to keep in mind before undergoing an oral minoxidil hair loss treatment. Oral minoxidil may cause the following side effects:
Initial temporary shedding: One of the first and most notable side effects at the start of oral minoxidil treatment. While this may cause concern, the hair shedding usually subsides after about four to six weeks.
Excess hair growth (hypertrichosis): On the face, arms, and other parts of the body. This can be especially prevalent with higher doses, but is manageable with hair removal methods. It is also the reason that topical minoxidil is the preferred starting treatment.
Low blood pressure or feeling lightheaded: Minoxidil was created to treat pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, even at lower doses, those with regular blood pressure may be affected.
Swelling in your legs: Also known as lower limb oedema, and is caused by your body retaining water and sodium. This fluid retention is sometimes accompanied by weight gain.
Tachycardia: Rapid increase in heart rate that surpasses 100 beats per minute. This is due to the automatic response of the body’s sympathetic nervous system to vasodilators like minoxidil.
Heart palpitations, dizziness, chest pain and tiredness.
Oral Minoxidil vs Topical Minoxidil
Topical minoxidil is commonly recognised and used in the treatment of hair loss conditions like androgenic alopecia and loose anagen syndrome. Low-dose minoxidil tablets have recently gained more attention as an alternative treatment.
Both forms aim to prolong the anagen phase of the follicles to enhance growth. This is due to minoxidil’s vasodilatory properties, which involve the dilation of blood vessels, resulting in increased blood flow to the hair roots.
Topical minoxidil acts locally on the scalp and is available over the counter without a prescription. In contrast, oral minoxidil works systemically throughout the body, requiring both a prescription and regular medical supervision.
Oral minoxidil may be more effective, especially for those who lack sufficient sulfotransferase enzyme activity in their hair follicles. This enzyme helps break down minoxidil into its active ingredient, minoxidil sulphate, which is necessary for topical minoxidil to work.
Advantages of Oral Minoxidil Doses Over Topical Therapy
Both oral and topical minoxidil are proven to be effective treatments for hair loss. However, there are several benefits of taking oral minoxidil instead of its topical counterpart. Key considerations include the following:
Effectiveness: Oral Minoxidil is more effective than topical minoxidil when prescribed appropriately.
Convenience: It is more convenient to take an oral tablet. No need to wait for topical formulations to dry, which can potentially leave a residue on your scalp.
Cost-effective: Minoxidil tablets cost less than the topical formulation in the long term.
Medical Supervision: Since prescriptions are required for minoxidil tablets, your treatment can be closely overseen through regular checkups with a healthcare professional. This ensures safety and optimises results.
Flexibility: With a topical formulation, you need to wash your scalp before any perming or dyeing and cannot apply minoxidil for 24 hours before or after it takes place.
Freedom to apply topical products: You can cover up any patchiness or bald spots on the scalp. Being able to use these techniques in conjunction with your medication helps to improve the overall appearance of your hair.
For more information about using oral minoxidil tablets for hair loss, call our clinic on 07708 627966, or book a Zoom consultation with Dr Bonaros below.
Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss — Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get oral minoxidil in the UK?
Oral minoxidil tablets are a prescription-only medication, and you will be required to have a consultation with a doctor. They can assess if you are a suitable candidate before the prescription of oral minoxidil can be supplied.
During your initial medical assessment, it’s essential that you:
Mention all medications you are currently taking, as they could adversely interact with or impact the efficacy of your minoxidil oral therapy. Minoxidil was originally developed as an antihypertensive. If you have high blood pressure and are already taking medication to treat this, your blood pressure could be lowered to an unsafe level.
Make your doctor aware of any health conditions you have. Oral minoxidil tablets can sometimes cause a fast-paced heart rate. If you have underlying heart conditions like angina, minoxidil could increase your risk of cardiac issues and, therefore, may not be the right method for treating your hair loss.
If your doctor thinks minoxidil tablets are a viable treatment for your androgenetic alopecia or other hair loss disorders, you will receive a prescription. However, you will be required to have regular check-ups to monitor the treatment process and make note of any effects (both positive and negative) it has.
Who is suitable for an oral minoxidil prescription?
Oral minoxidil is usually only prescribed to healthy men and women who cannot tolerate or comply with topical minoxidil. An example of intolerance could be an allergic reaction to the propylene glycol present in minoxidil topical solution that causes scalp irritation and itchiness.
Lack of compliance, on the other hand, could refer to challenges faced by patients when applying the topical treatment. The recommended application process involves evenly applying (but not massaging) the minoxidil solution or foam to a dry scalp and leaving it to sit for at least four hours.
Oral minoxidil is also considered for men who are concerned about or have already experienced sexual side effects from finasteride. This oral therapy works by stopping testosterone from converting into dihydrotestosterone, the hormone responsible for preventing hair growth.
When should oral minoxidil be avoided?
When properly prescribed, oral Minoxidil is a safe and reliable treatment for hair loss. However, it is not recommended for people with an allergy to the medicine and those with a rare type of neuroendocrine tumour known as a pheochromocytoma.
In addition, oral minoxidil for hair loss is not recommended for elderly and pregnant patients, or candidates with high blood pressure, cardiovascular conditions such as heart failure or angina, or kidney disease.
Should I use topical minoxidil or oral minoxidil for alopecia areata and other hair loss conditions?
Both oral and topical minoxidil can treat hair loss due to alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that attacks hair follicles and results in hair loss. If the topical minoxidil does not have the desired effect or is not tolerated well, oral minoxidil may be a more effective medication for hair loss.
It is important to consult a doctor to determine the most effective and safe hair loss treatment for you. Oral minoxidil is not safe for pregnant individuals to consume. This is because minoxidil can be excreted into breast milk in very low concentrations; oral treatment is contraindicated during breastfeeding.
Are minoxidil tablets UK-licensed?
Minoxidil is officially recognised as a medication for hypertension. However, in terms of hair loss treatment, minoxidil in oral form is not licensed in the UK. Despite this, it is still safe to use under the guidance of a medical professional and is commonly prescribed off-label to combat several hair disorders, specifically male and female-patterned hair loss.
How long does oral minoxidil take to work?
The hair-growth effects of oral minoxidil can take anywhere between 6 and 12 months to present. It is important to note that the effects of taking minoxidil orally are not permanent and that hair loss may continue once treatment stops. This is a result of your hair gradually returning to its previous growth cycle and takes place over three to four months after minoxidil discontinuation.
Is oral minoxidil suitable for long-term usage?
The average oral minoxidil dose for hair loss starts at 0.25 mg and increases to a maximum of 5 mg. These amounts fall within the range of what is known as ‘low-dose’ oral minoxidil. This is because they are significantly lower than the doses prescribed for high blood pressure, which average between 5 mg and 40 mg per day but have the capacity to go up to 100 mg.
Since such low doses of minoxidil are used to combat hair disorders, it is safe for patients to take this medication long-term. Once you have a prescription, you can easily buy oral minoxidil in the UK. Your oral minoxidil dosage will be monitored by a healthcare professional through regular checkups and may be adjusted if necessary.
If you do not experience any potentially dangerous side effects, you will receive repeat prescriptions for these tablets, so that you can continue your treatment for hair loss with minoxidil.
Do you have a question about the minoxidil hair regrowth treatment that we haven’t answered? Fill in our free Online Assessment Form for a tailored treatment plan from Dr Bonaros based on your unique hair condition.
Dr Bonaros: Expert Hair Loss Specialist
Led by Dr Epameinondas Bonaros, our clinic specialises in hair restoration through FUE hair transplants and prescription medication. For a medication-based approach, Dr Bonaros can advise on a hair loss treatment with minoxidil (oral or topical), as well as other hair loss treatments like finasteride and dutasteride, or a combination therapy.
Dr Bonaros is a highly experienced hair transplant surgeon, serving as Scotland’s only International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) member and as a full member of the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (BAHRS). He holds diplomate status with the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS). This ABHRS certification represents the only recognised board qualification in the specialised field of hair restoration.
With our patient-centred approach, we treat your hair loss concerns with empathy and professionalism. We provide ethical advice tailored to every patient’s unique needs. This allows us to deliver satisfying results that effectively treat hair disorders and help patients regain their confidence.
Regain your confidence when you embark on your hair restoration journey. Book an appointment with Dr Bonaros for tailored advice on whether the oral minoxidil hair treatment will work for you.
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