Question 1

What is oral minoxidil?

Accepted Answer

Minoxidil is a vasodilator, which means it relaxes and widens blood vessels. Taken as a daily tablet it increases blood flow to the hair follicle, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the part of the hair that is actively growing. It is the same medicine people know as a topical, taken by mouth instead of applied to the scalp.

Question 2

Is it FDA approved?

Accepted Answer

Minoxidil tablets are an FDA-approved medication, but they were approved to treat high blood pressure, not hair loss. Prescribing them for hair loss is off-label. Off-label prescribing is legal, common, and at a provider's discretion when they judge it appropriate for a specific patient.

Question 3

How is the tablet different from the topical?

Accepted Answer

Mostly in how it reaches the follicle and how easy it is to keep up with. The topical has to be applied to the scalp twice a day, can leave residue, and can irritate. The tablet is one dose a day and skips the scalp entirely. Taking both at once is not recommended and does not improve results.

Question 4

What if the topical never worked for me?

Accepted Answer

Topical minoxidil has to be switched on by an enzyme in the scalp called follicular sulfotransferase, and some people simply have low levels of it. The oral form is absorbed through the body and is thought to be activated by the liver instead, so it can be worth trying even after a topical has disappointed you.

Question 5

When will I see a change?

Accepted Answer

Hair grows slowly, so this is measured in months. Most people look for the first signs around month three or four, with fuller results taking longer. If you have seen no change after six months of consistent use, message your provider. Results vary and nothing here is a guarantee.

Question 6

Will I shed more at first?

Accepted Answer

You might, and it is not a sign that something is wrong. Early shedding happens as resting hairs are released to make room for new growth, and it usually settles within about a month. Tell your care team if it worries you or if it keeps going.

Question 7

What are the side effects?

Accepted Answer

The most commonly reported is unwanted hair growth on the face or body, which is reported more often by women and is more likely at higher doses. Others include lightheadedness, low blood pressure, fluid retention and swelling, a faster heartbeat, and headache. Minoxidil tablets also carry a boxed warning. Read the full important safety information before you start.

Question 8

What happens if I stop?

Accepted Answer

The hair you regrew will gradually be lost again, usually over several months. Minoxidil maintains growth for as long as you keep taking it, so treat it as ongoing rather than a course you finish.

Oral Minoxidil

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