Oral Minoxidil


This medication overview reviews the risks and benefits of low-dose oral minoxidil for treating female pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia). Please make sure to read this in addition to the manufacturer’s pamphlet that comes with the medicine.


What is oral minoxidil?
Minoxidil is an FDA-approved tablet used to treat high blood pressure. In low doses, it is also used as an off-label treatment for female pattern hair loss. Minoxidil works by boosting blood flow to hair follicles, which extends the hair growth phase and shortens the resting phase where strands are no longer growing.
Age Range: Through the Hers platform, oral minoxidil is only available to patients ages 18 and above.
How should I take oral minoxidil?
  • Minoxidil tablets are taken by mouth once daily or as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
  • It can be taken with or without food.
  • If you experience lightheadedness as a side effect from oral minoxidil, take it at night.
  • Oral minoxidil medications can cause a small decline in blood pressure that may cause dizziness, lightheadedness or even fainting in people sensitive to blood pressure changes. Stay well-hydrated and in a safe, controlled environment the first time they trial their medication.
What should I expect during treatment with this medication?
  • You may experience hair shedding in the first 2-8 weeks as beneficial hair cycling is triggered. This is normal and means that the medication is working.
  • The full benefits of oral minoxidil are seen within 6-12 months, but results can be seen as early as 3 months.
  • Successful treatment is defined by both hair growth and hair loss stabilization (meaning hair loss isn’t getting worse), since female pattern hair loss tends to naturally worsen over time.
  • If there is no improvement after 6 months of use, please contact a medical provider through the Hers platform.
What happens when I stop using this medication?
Oral minoxidil treatment must be taken consistently to maintain progress. If you stop treatment, hair density will revert to what would have been if your hair loss naturally progressed.
Are there any dietary restrictions that I should follow while taking oral minoxidil?
No, there are no dietary restrictions with oral minoxidil.
You are not a candidate for treatment with oral minoxidil through the Hers platform if any of the following apply to you. Speak with a healthcare provider in-person about treatment if you are:
  • Anyone younger than 18 years of age
  • Anyone with pheochromocytoma
  • Anyone currently using a product containing minoxidil (Rogaine®, GainExtra®, Apo-Gain®, Loniten®), either topically or orally for hair loss or for treatment of high blood pressure.
  • Anyone with certain types of heart, kidney or liver disease. Be sure to completely share details of any heart, kidney or liver conditions with your provider so they can determine if treatment is safe for you.
  • Anyone with a history of a mini-stroke (TIA) or stroke (CVA). Be sure to completely share details of any previous mini-stroke or stroke with your provider so they can determine if treatment is safe for you.
  • Anyone with uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding
What are common side effects of low dose 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
If you experience any of the above side effects, let your provider know right away so they can adjust your treatment.
Minoxidil may also cause changes to your EKG. Tell your doctor prior to an EKG if you are taking oral minoxidil.
Stop taking Oral Minoxidil right away and seek emergency medical care if any of the following conditions or symptoms develop during treatment:
  • Heart problems such as new or worsening chest pain, heart failure, irregular heartbeats, or heart attack.
  • Very low or very high blood pressure
  • Stroke
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems or require dialysis
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sudden changes to your vision or hearing
  • Very severe heartburn
These are not all of the possible side effects of oral minoxidil. For more information, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for medical advice about side effects. You can message a 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 the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 or visiting http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch.
Use & Storage
Store your minoxidil tablets at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F) in the packaging provided by the pharmacy until you need it. Keep out of reach of children.
Accurate Information
Your provider evaluated the specific health information you provided and made recommendations based on it. If you incorrectly or forgot to provide any information, your provider may misdiagnose or fail to diagnose conditions you may have — which could affect their treatment recommendation. If you need to clarify or update any information about your health, please message a provider through the Hers platform.
Treatment Failure
This treatment is not 100% effective. It may not work or may partially resolve the condition you are seeking treatment for. If you do not see any signs of improvement or if you are experiencing new or worsening symptoms, message a provider through the Hers platform anytime or contact your regular healthcare provider. If it is an emergency, call 911 or seek immediate help in-person.
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
There is also a risk that your provider will misdiagnose or fail to diagnose conditions that you may have, which could affect the treatment recommendation. The healthcare providers providing treatment through the Hers platform use evidence-based guidelines as well as clinical decision-making to minimize these risks.
Accepting or Declining The Recommendation
Your provider is recommending this treatment for you because the potential benefits outweigh the risks in their estimation. You’re encouraged to evaluate this information, including any input from your in-person healthcare team and any relevant sources to decide if this treatment plan is right for you. You are free to decline recommendations you received from the provider through the Hers platform.
Share with Your In-Person Healthcare Team
You can request access to your records anytime. We strongly recommend that you update your in-person healthcare team about any new medicines that you are taking or other changes in your health.
You can also ask questions anytime by messaging a provider through the Hers platform. We are happy to help you share any information about your health with your in-person healthcare team.