A once-a-day minoxidil tablet.While topical minoxidil is FDA-approved to treat hair loss and is available without a prescription, FDA has not approved oral minoxidil for hair loss. Use is considered "off-label" and requires a prescription. Learn more about off-label treatment
Minoxidil is commonly used as an ingredient in topical hair growth products. Minoxidil stimulates the flow of blood rich with nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles. This increased circulation prolongs the growth of current hair, shortens the resting time of follicles, and increases the size of follicles, helping them grow terminal rather than miniaturized hairs.
Minoxidil takes a few months to produce noticeable results to your crown and hairline. Results are usually seen within 6 months but can be seen as early as 3 months. Shedding of hair is common in the first two to eight weeks of treatment. This is likely due to hair follicles releasing hair that is no longer growing in order to start up new growth. In order to maintain the results you achieve, you will have to continue to take this medication indefinitely.
Taking oral minoxidil can result in certain risks. One of these risks involves hypertrichosis, which is the term for unusual hair growth on other parts of the body. Another potential side effect is lower extremity edema, a condition characterized by the swelling of legs, ankles, and feet. Some women may also experience headaches, palpitations, lightheadedness, and nausea when taking this medication. Do not use any products containing minoxidil if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. Review important safety information (including a boxed warning).
A once-a-day minoxidil tablet.While topical minoxidil is FDA-approved to treat hair loss and is available without a prescription, FDA has not approved oral minoxidil for hair loss. Use is considered "off-label" and requires a prescription. Learn more about off-label treatment
Minoxidil is commonly used as an ingredient in topical hair growth products. Minoxidil stimulates the flow of blood rich with nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles. This increased circulation prolongs the growth of current hair, shortens the resting time of follicles, and increases the size of follicles, helping them grow terminal rather than miniaturized hairs.
Minoxidil takes a few months to produce noticeable results to your crown and hairline. Results are usually seen within 6 months but can be seen as early as 3 months. Shedding of hair is common in the first two to eight weeks of treatment. This is likely due to hair follicles releasing hair that is no longer growing in order to start up new growth. In order to maintain the results you achieve, you will have to continue to take this medication indefinitely.
Taking oral minoxidil can result in certain risks. One of these risks involves hypertrichosis, which is the term for unusual hair growth on other parts of the body. Another potential side effect is lower extremity edema, a condition characterized by the swelling of legs, ankles, and feet. Some women may also experience headaches, palpitations, lightheadedness, and nausea when taking this medication. Do not use any products containing minoxidil if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. Review important safety information (including a boxed warning).
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Oral minoxidil contains the same active ingredient as topical minoxidil, the main ingredient in many over the counter hair growth products. Oral minoxidil was first prescribed in the 1970s to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure, by allowing more blood flow through the body. A frequent side effect of this initial use was hypertrichosis, or excessive hair growth. Unlike topical minoxidil, which is FDA-approved and available without a prescription, oral minoxidil is considered “off-label” and requires a prescription. Learn more about off-label treatment.
Oral minoxidil can be effective at addressing symptoms of hair loss including women in perimenopause and menopause. Some patients find it easier to take a single oral pill a day instead of applying topical treatments. Simple routines can help improve adherence and outcomes, leading to better results. Specific treatment recommendations are at the discretion of healthcare providers based on an individual’s medical history, contraindications and potential side effects.
Minoxidil takes a few months to produce noticeable results to your crown and hairline. Results are usually seen within 6 months but can be seen as early as 3 months. Shedding of hair is common in the first two to eight weeks of treatment. This is likely due to hair follicles releasing hair that is no longer growing in order to start up new growth. In order to maintain the results you achieve, you will have to continue to take this medication indefinitely. Your provider will follow your treatment closely to help ensure optimal outcomes and minimize side effects.
Oral minoxidil is typically prescribed in lower doses when treating hair loss in women – ideally obtaining positive outcomes with fewer side effects. Oral minoxidil is made in 2.5mg tablets. Patients will start with taking a half of a tablet, 1.25mg per day. If after six months, you do not see results at this dose, your provider may recommend increasing to a full table. If you experience side effects, your provider may recommend reducing your dose or stopping the use of oral minoxidil.
Taking oral minoxidil can result in certain risks. One of these risks involves hypertrichosis, which is the term for unusual hair growth on other parts of the body. This happens because oral minoxidil affects the whole body systemically, and can thus lead to hair growth in places other than the scalp. However, it's important to note that this condition usually resolves itself within four months of stopping the treatment.
Another potential side effect is lower extremity edema, a condition characterized by the swelling of legs, ankles, and feet. Some women may also experience headaches, palpitations, and nausea when taking this medication.
While they are less likely to occur, there are other risks associated with oral minoxidil usage. These include pleural effusion, which is the buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue lining the lungs and chest cavity. Also, some women may experience hypotension, a condition marked by lower-than-normal blood pressure. This can lead to feeling light-headed.
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