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Men's Health Hair Loss Minoxidil
Men's Health Hair Loss Minoxidil

Oral and topical Minoxidil online prescriptions for hair loss

If you’re suffering from hair loss, minoxidil can help. Minoxidil slows hair loss and can even be successful in regrowing hair. In addition to topical minoxidil (Rogaine), oral minoxidil is available by prescription. Speak to a board-certified PlushCare primary care doctor today to discuss a prescription for oral minoxidil.*

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About minoxidil

Minoxidil is a prescription drug only available in a generic form. As a vasodilator, minoxidil increases blood flow around the hair follicles to stimulate hair growth and treat hypertension.

Oral minoxidil is mainly prescribed for male and female pattern hair loss. However, it can also help treat hair loss from other conditions, including alopecia areata and telogen effluvium. Topical minoxidil solution is the generic form of Rogaine and is available over the counter without a prescription.

It’s always important to follow the specific instructions when taking your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.

Minoxidil uses

The only FDA-approved use for minoxidil is hypertension. It is widely used off-label, and your PlushCare primary care doctor may prescribe minoxidil off-label to treat hair loss.

Hair loss

Both oral minoxidil and topical minoxidil are effective treatments for hair loss. However, there are some circumstances where minoxidil should only be taken as an oral prescription to treat hair concerns.

While oral minoxidil has not been FDA-approved for hair loss treatment, low-dose oral minoxidil is extremely effective in promoting hair growth. Low-dose oral minoxidil can help treat hair loss from several conditions, including androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and traction alopecia.

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Oral minoxidil is currently FDA-approved to treat refractory or difficult to treat hypertension. Hypertension adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. Over time, this can disrupt normal brain, heart, and kidney function.

As an antihypertensive drug, oral minoxidil works by relaxing blood vessels. Oral minoxidil enables blood to pass through blood vessels more easily, which helps lower blood pressure.

Minoxidil side effects

The side effects associated with taking topical minoxidil are typically mild. Most topical minoxidil side effects are associated with scalp irritation, dryness, and itching. Oral minoxidil doesn't cause drowsiness, but it has some common side effects. These may include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Changes in facial and body hair
  • Unwanted hair growth
  • Burning, stinging, or redness at the application site (when using topical minoxidil)

 

Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:

 

  • Increased heart rate
  • Rapid, unexplained weight gain
  • New or worsening arm, shoulder, or chest pain

 

You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. Tell your doctor if you're currently pregnant or breastfeeding, as minoxidil can have serious negative effects.

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How to take minoxidil

After prescribing minoxidil, your online doctor will provide instructions for taking your pills. Be sure to read the prescription label and follow all instructions. Your care team can help answer any questions you may have about your prescription.

 

Oral minoxidil

Oral minoxidil is available in two different doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. For adults, the typical starting dose of oral minoxidil for the treatment of hair loss is 1.25 mg for men or 0.25 mg for women, taken once per day.

Your doctor may increase your dose to 5 mg a day for men or 2.5 mg a day for women, taken once or twice per day, as needed.

 

Minoxidil topical solution (Rogaine)

Topical minoxidil is available as a liquid or foam solution and can be applied directly to the scalp. Topical minoxidil solution is designed for use twice a day. Your doctor may recommend applying minoxidil once in the morning and once in the evening, typically a few hours before bed.

Although topical minoxidil can reduce hair loss, it doesn't cure baldness. To maintain your new hair growth, it's important to continue using topical minoxidil as directed.

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What to avoid while taking minoxidil

Minoxidil has a few drug interactions. They include drugs for high blood pressure and drugs that interact with alcohol. Don’t change what you're currently taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.

Talk to your doctor if you're taking any other medications to lower blood pressure, such as guanethidine. Minoxidil can cause very low blood pressure when taken with other hypertension drugs.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it's acceptable to consume alcohol while taking oral minoxidil. Combined with oral minoxidil, regular alcohol consumption may significantly decrease blood pressure, leading to adverse effects.

Alternative medications to minoxidil

If your healthcare professional prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another hair loss treatment or prescribe a different vasodilator. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:

Hair loss

Avodart (dutasteride) Proscar (finasteride) online

Oral minoxidil prescription FAQs

How much does oral minoxidil cost?

The cost for oral minoxidil 2.5 mg is around $16 for a supply of 90 tablets depending on the pharmacy you visit. Oral minoxidil may be covered by your insurance depending on your plan.

How can I refill my minoxidil prescription?

You can refill your minoxidil prescription by booking a virtual appointment with a board-certified primary care PlushCare doctor. If your doctor determines that minoxidil is right for you, they can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy.

Who should not take minoxidil?

You should not take minoxidil if:

 

  • You're currently pregnant or breastfeeding

  • You're taking certain hypertension drugs

  • You have an adrenal medulla tumor (pheochromocytoma)

  • You've had an allergic reaction to minoxidil

What happens if I miss a dose of minoxidil?

Missing doses of minoxidil (both topical and oral) can affect hair growth. Do not increase your medication to make up for missed doses. 

What happens if I take too much minoxidil?

When used excessively, minoxidil can cause adverse effects. You may experience flushing of the face, chest pain, headaches, and lightheadedness. If you're experiencing severe symptoms or have concerns about accidental overdose, don't hesitate to call the national poison control line for immediate assistance.

Can minoxidil regrow hair?

Yes, minoxidil can promote hair regrowth. Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to hair follicles and by shortening the telogen phase (resting phase) of the hair growth cycle and moving your hairs into the anagen phase (active growth phase).

If you suffer from hair loss disorders such as androgenic alopecia, alopecia areata, or female/male pattern baldness, consider talking to your doctor about minoxidil. 

What are the dangers of minoxidil?

Although minoxidil is safe and effective for most people, you may experience side effects. Common side effects of minoxidil include:

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Changes in facial and body hair (i.e., thicker hair)

  • Unwanted hair growth

  • Skin rashes and scalp irritation around the application site (when using topical minoxidil)

How long does it take for minoxidil to grow hair?

Many people notice results from minoxidil within two months of use. In general, it takes eight weeks of consistent use for topical minoxidil to grow hair. After four months of use, you should notice less hair loss and start seeing hair growth.

Does minoxidil give permanent hair growth?

No, hair growth from minoxidil is not permanent, and you will need to continue taking the medication to continue seeing results.

3 simple steps to get your oral or topical Minoxidil prescription online

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Step 1

Book an appointment with a board-certified PlushCare primary care doctor to discuss minoxidil.

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Step 2

Talk to your doctor regarding a minoxidil prescription.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
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Step 3

If prescribed, pick up your minoxidil prescription.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

How pricing works

To get a new or refill prescription for minoxidil, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.

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