Oral Minoxidil Treatment for Men's Hair Loss: A Complete Review

Are you struggling with constant hair loss and haven’t found the right solution? Don’t worry; Minoxidil is one of the most well-known treatments. However, most people know -Minoxidil as a topical solution. People know that it is also an excellent oral medication for treating hair loss when taken as a pill. Many doctors are now prescribing Minoxidil in a pill form taken by mouth.

In this blog, let's discuss the oral minoxidil treatment for hair loss in men.

Overview of Oral Minoxidil

Oral minoxidil is a vasodilator. Minoxidil was initially created to treat high blood pressure, but the glimmer of increased hair growth was discovered shortly after.

The Best Minoxidil for men has been repositioned and designated to treat specific hair loss conditions, such as androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness).

Most doctors worldwide believe that oral Minoxidil in small doses is safe for hair loss, even though the FDA has not approved it in the USA.

For hair loss, oral Minoxidil is recommended if:

Topical formulations of Minoxidil cause an allergy, redness, or irritation.
After six months of consistent use, topical Minoxidil has absolutely no advantages.
Topical Minoxidil causes thinning hair quality, occasionally resulting in dry, tangled, and breakable hair.
Other difficulties with topical minoxidil use can result in problems with compliance.

Advantages of Minoxidil Oral

Since applying the liquid minoxidil solution to the scalp over an extended period may be too bothersome due to dripping and messy application, oral Minoxidil is an option for people who do not wish to use topical Minoxidil. In this case, taking a simple oral minoxidil pill is more convenient.

This approach may not be ideal for cosmetic keratin fibers or hairpieces, as oral Minoxidil won’t address those styling concerns. Finasteride, dutasteride, or even follicular unit hair transplant are other treatment options, while oral Minoxidil provides a flexible combination therapy option.

Research suggests that oral Minoxidil works successfully at lower levels of follicular sulfotransferase activity, which is one main reason topical Minoxidil is ineffective. Therefore, oral Minoxidil is better for those with limited follicular sulfotransferase enzyme activity.

Side Effects of Oral Minoxidil

Side effects are uncommon at dosages as low as those used to treat baldness. Here are some of the common side effects that a person can experience:

Hair Growth (hypertrichosis): Hypertrichosis, or hair growth elsewhere on the face and body, is the most common adverse effect in both men and women. Higher doses are more likely to cause excessive growth.
Temporary shedding: It is quite common at the start of oral or topical Minoxidil use. This potentially very annoying side effect appears within six weeks. However, continuing the drug guarantees that it will stop after four weeks.
Ankle Swelling and Water Retention: Up to 3% of people may experience lower limb swelling, often at higher dosages. Sometimes, water retention causes puffy eyes, which worsen in the morning.
Lightheadedness and low blood pressure: While Minoxidil is used to treat hypertension, even lower doses used for hair loss may occasionally lower blood pressure.
Dizziness: It causes lightheadedness when standing up quickly. Lightheadedness occurs in 1.7% of people using modest doses of Minoxidil, and only 11% need to stop taking the medication.
High Heart Rate: Minoxidil side effects include an irregular heartbeat, usually at high doses. Please also let your doctor know if you are taking other medications that can increase the risk of your heart speeding up, including any inhalers for asthma.
Headaches: Some people may experience headaches, but this improves with time. This side effect affects a few people, and usually, 50% of the users need to stop using their medication.
Hangovers: In a study done in 2024, some people using oral Minoxidil may experience worsening alcohol hangover symptoms, such as headaches, light sensitivity, and nausea. No one knows the mechanism. On days when they intend to consume a lot of alcohol, the doctors advise patients to forego taking their oral Minoxidil.
Nightmares, insomnia, pericarditis, rashes, nausea, vomiting, and breast pain are rarer side effects.

If you notice any side effects, reach out to your doctor. But if you suddenly develop an increased heart rate and have palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting, you should go to an emergency department or call for emergency help.

The Effectiveness of Minoxidil

Although research is still limited, studies suggest that after six months or more, about one-third of patients may experience reduced shedding, and another third may see improved hair growth. This indicates that up to two out of three people may benefit from oral Minoxidil. Treatment should be administered for six to twelve months to give it enough time to work.

In a deep study about the medicine, men with androgenetic alopecia were tested for the efficacy of oral Minoxidil at a dose of 5 mg. Researchers concluded that 43% of the patients had outstanding hair growth results.

A study by Dr. Paulo Müller Ramos found that topical minoxidil solution 5% and oral minoxidil 1 mg had similar efficacy for treating female-pattern hair loss.

Conclusion

Oral Minoxidil is a promising alternative to topical formulations, which are usually prescribed for hair loss. The oral form is especially suitable for patients who dislike the sensation of using another direct form. Oral Minoxidil is a realistic option in the fight against hair loss because it is easy to take, is often combined with other therapies, and may be effective.

Forty Health prioritizes doctor advice and personalized hair restoration solutions to empower you to make informed choices for healthier and fuller hair. Discover all we offer and explore the next stage of your hair care journey with even more confidence.

FAQ on Oral Minoxidil

What precautions should I take before having oral Minoxidil?

Consult with a doctor first. Whenever you consume the medicine, monitor your blood pressure. Strictly avoid drinking alcohol during this period. Tell your doctor about heart problems, asthma, or other conditions. Medicine should not be given to pregnant or breastfeeding women.

When should Minoxidil be avoided?

You should avoid Minoxidil if you have heart disease, low blood pressure, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are allergic to Minoxidil.

What is the dose of oral Minoxidil tablets?

The dosage is 1–2.5 mg once daily, with a maximum of 5 mg daily. Always take only as directed by your doctor.

Where to buy minoxidil?

You can buy oral minoxidil here through Forty Health, an online men's health and longevity platform that is one of the most trusted as it is one of the only online retailers that is 100% run by board-certified doctors.

Which is minoxidil brand is the best?

If you’re wondering which minoxidil is best or looking for the best brand of minoxidil for hair regrowth, it’s important to choose a product backed by quality, purity, and doctor oversight. While many minoxidil brands on the market offer similar efficacy, not all are created equal. After extensive research, our physicians recommend RootRestore by Forty Health as the minoxidil best brand available today. RootRestore meets the highest medical standards, using:

1. The purest minoxidil compounds
2. FDA-regulated, USA-based pharmacy manufacturing
3. Premium, American-made ingredients

If you’re looking for a doctor-trusted, high-quality minoxidil brand with proven results, RootRestore™ is the clear choice.

How much does oral minoxidil cost?

The cost of oral minoxidil can vary based on the brand, dosage, and type of minoxidil (is it mixed with other medications). On average, prescription-strength oral minoxidil tablets cost between $30 to $300 per month when obtained through reputable, doctor-led telehealth clinics like Forty Health. Be cautious of low-cost, unregulated options, as quality and dosage accuracy can vary. Especially if they don't ask for a prescription, as that means the medication is usually illegally sourced from unknown factories in China.

What Is the best shampoo to use with minoxidil?

When using minoxidil for hair regrowth, pairing it with the best shampoo to use with minoxidil can improve scalp health and enhance results. Dermatologists often recommend shampoos that are:

1. 1. Sulfate-free
  2. Active ingredients like progesterone, biotin, caffeine, or ketoconazole
  3. Does not include endocrine disrupting chemical irritants

If you are looking for the best shampoo for hair growth, learn more about Fortify RX, which is a prescription shampoo that already includes minoxidil + finasteride + progesterone to fit into your daily routine. No pills, just take a shower regularly and grow your hair, simple!

What is the best time of day to take your minoxidil tablets?

Most doctors recommend taking oral minoxidil at night before bed, as it may occasionally cause lightheadedness in some individuals during the adjustment period. As always, consult your physician to determine what is right for your unique needs.