Oral Minoxidil

Your safety is our first priority. Learn more about key medication details, side effects, and other important info about treatment.

Read this patient information before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment.

Important safety information
What is the most important information that I should know about oral minoxidil for the treatment of female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)?

  • Oral minoxidil is FDA-approved for the treatment of high blood pressure

  • Low-dose oral minoxidil is used by dermatologists off-label to treat female pattern hair loss

  • The efficacy and safety of low-dose oral minoxidil to promote hair growth is supported by clinical evidence including clinical trials

Do not use oral minoxidil for the treatment of your female pattern hair loss if you:

  • Are allergic to oral minoxidil

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Age younger than 18

Contraindications for Oral Minoxidil

  • Allergy to minoxidil or any component of the formulation

  • Have a history of pheochromocytoma

  • Have a history of heart disease

  • Not including abnormal heart beats or rhythms i.e., Afib, SVT, , long QT syndrome, or other electrical heart abnormalities (patient must consult with primary care provider or cardiologist prior to beginning treatment)

  • Have a history of stage 3-5 chronic kidney disease

  • Have a history of liver disease, excluding fatty liver disease

  • Have a history of stroke, mini stroke, or TIA

  • Have a history of hair loss related chemotherapy treatment within the last year

  • Anyone with uncontrolled high blood pressure

If any of the following apply to you, please speak with a healthcare provider in-person about seeking treatment for your female pattern hair loss:

  • Younger than 18 years of age

  • Have heart, kidney or liver disease

  • Are taking blood pressure medications for hypertension

  • Have experienced dizziness or fainting that occurs upon standing after sitting or lying down

  • Have experienced sudden onset of increased muscularity, deepening of the voice, enlargement of the clitoris, or excessive hair growth on the face or body

  • Have pheochromocytoma

These are some of the more common side effects of oral minoxidil:

  • Hypertrichosis, or increased hair growth on the face or body

  • Lightheadedness

  • Palpitations or tachycardia

  • Headaches

  • Leg swelling or fluid retention (edema)

  • Swelling around the eyes

  • Insomnia

  • Nausea and vomiting

If you experience any of the above side effects, contact your provider as you may benefit from a dose adjustment or change in treatment.

Oral minoxidil can cause early hair shedding as beneficial hair cycling is triggered. This is an expected side effect that will improve with continued minoxidil use.

Minoxidil may cause changes to your EKG; tell your doctor prior to an EKG if you are taking oral minoxidil.

Seek emergency medical care if you experience any of these side effects - the following may be a signs of a more serious reaction:

  • Symptoms suggestive of a severe allergic reaction (itching, anaphylaxis, rash)

  • New or worsening chest pain, heart failure, irregular heartbeats, or heart attack.

  • Shortness of breath

  • Sudden changes to your vision or hearing

  • Very severe heartburn

  • Very low or very high blood pressure

  • Stroke

  • Liver problems

  • Kidney problems or require dialysis

These are not all of the possible side effects of oral minoxidil. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Contact your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You can message a healthcare provider through your Hers account if you have any questions about your treatment, including any side effects you may be experiencing. You may report side effects to FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 or visiting http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch.