Minoxidil

What it is

Minoxidil tablets belong to a class of medicines called vasodilators.

Source: MedlinePlus (NIH): Minoxidil: MedlinePlus Drug Information ↗

How it's thought to work

The tablet works by relaxing blood vessels so blood flows more easily.

Source: MedlinePlus (NIH): Minoxidil: MedlinePlus Drug Information ↗

What people use it for

• The scalp liquid is used to stimulate hair growth and slow balding.
• It is most effective for people under 40 whose hair loss is recent.
• It has no effect on receding hairlines and does not cure baldness.
• The tablet is used with other medicines to treat high blood pressure.

Sources: MedlinePlus (NIH): Minoxidil Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information ↗ · MedlinePlus (NIH): Minoxidil: MedlinePlus Drug Information ↗

What the research has found so far

On Minoxidil and aging, PubMed lists 206 trials in people, 157 studies that watched people over time, 126 animal and lab studies. See the counts and searches

Side effects and risks

• The scalp liquid may cause itching, dryness, scaling, flaking, irritation, or burning of the scalp.
• The scalp liquid may make skin sensitive to sunlight.
• Serious symptoms with the scalp liquid can include weight gain, swelling of the face, ankles, hands, or stomach, trouble breathing, fast heartbeat, chest pain, and lightheadedness.
• The label for a 5% solution says some people have had changes in hair color or texture.
• The tablet may cause bigger or darker fine body hair, breast tenderness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
• Serious tablet side effects can include rash, fast heartbeat, swollen ankles or feet, unexplained weight gain, trouble breathing, dizziness, and fainting.
• The tablet may make a person drowsy.
• A review said minoxidil has not been convincingly linked to clear liver injury.

Sources: MedlinePlus (NIH): Minoxidil Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information ↗ · DailyMed (FDA drug label): DailyMed - 5% MINOXIDIL TOPICAL SOLUTION- minoxidil solution ↗ · MedlinePlus (NIH): Minoxidil: MedlinePlus Drug Information ↗ · PubMed abstract: Minoxidil - PubMed ↗

Who should be careful, and drug interactions

• The scalp liquid label says it may be harmful if used while pregnant or breast-feeding.
• The scalp liquid label says to ask a doctor first if you have heart disease.
• The scalp liquid should not be applied to a sunburned or irritated scalp.
• People with an adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma) will probably be told not to take the tablets.
• The tablet page lists recent heart attack and heart or kidney disease as conditions to tell a doctor about.
• Alcohol can make the side effects of the tablets worse.
• The pages say to tell the doctor about surgery, including dental surgery, while on the tablets.

Sources: DailyMed (FDA drug label): DailyMed - 5% MINOXIDIL TOPICAL SOLUTION- minoxidil solution ↗ · MedlinePlus (NIH): Minoxidil Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information ↗ · MedlinePlus (NIH): Minoxidil: MedlinePlus Drug Information ↗

Approval and legal status

• FDA: DailyMed - MENS ROGAINE MINOXIDIL - UNSCENTED FORMULA- minoxidil aerosol, foam ↗

Amounts used in studies

What studies or labels describe, not a recommendation.

• The scalp liquid is usually used twice a day.
• The 5% solution label lists 1 mL by dropper twice a day on the scalp.
• The tablets are usually taken once or twice a day.

Sources: MedlinePlus (NIH): Minoxidil Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information ↗ · DailyMed (FDA drug label): DailyMed - 5% MINOXIDIL TOPICAL SOLUTION- minoxidil solution ↗ · MedlinePlus (NIH): Minoxidil: MedlinePlus Drug Information ↗

Roughly what it costs

We don't have prices for this yet.

Questions to ask your doctor

• Is Minoxidil a sensible option for me, given my health and the medicines I take?
• Could Minoxidil interact with any medicine or supplement I already take?
• What side effects should I watch for, and when should I stop or call you?
• Would Minoxidil be used for its approved purpose, or off-label for aging?
• How would we tell whether it is helping, and when should we review it?