Minoxidil (Oral Use)

Oral minoxidil is a medication originally developed as a treatment for high blood pressure (antihypertensive drug). It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily. Because one of its well-known side effects is increased hair growth, doctors sometimes prescribe it off-label in low doses to help treat hair loss conditions such as:

• Androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern hair loss)
• Telogen effluvium
• Certain other thinning-hair conditions
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How it Works for Hair

When used for hair loss, oral minoxidil is thought to:

• Increase blood flow to hair follicles
• Extend the growth (anagen) phase of hair
• Increase hair shaft diameter
• Reduce miniaturization of follicles
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Typical Use

For hair loss, oral minoxidil is usually prescribed at much lower doses than those used for blood pressure—often 0.25 mg–5 mg daily, depending on the patient and condition. The exact dose depends on a medical provider’s judgment.