Minoxidil is a medication used in the management of hair loss. Originally used for blood pressure management, it was noted that minoxidil caused hair growth in some patients and was developed into a topical formulation; an example being Rogaine.
Minoxidil continues to be used in the oral/tablet form for hair loss and papers have been written supporting its safe use in this format.
Whilst minoxidil is regarded as safe, because it is being used for a reason other than intended, there are a few cautions to note. Firstly, minoxidil needs to be used in a much smaller dose than provided in the packet. A dose of 1.25mg or one quarter of a tablet should be used. This can be hard to achieve by cracking the tablet however is necessary to minimise side effects.
Minoxidil is not appropriate for pregnancy or breastfeeding. All women should be on birth control 1 month before and after taking minoxidil.
The side effects of minoxidil are related to how it causes the body to keep salt and water. In extreme situations this can cause breathlessness, wheeziness, a faster heart beat, heart failure. These side effects are considered very rare at the 1.25mg dose with palpitations being the most commonly seen. Nonetheless, please report anything you notice to your doctor.
Results for oral minoxidil, similar to other hair loss treatments, take 6 months or longer. This reflects how long it generally takes hair to grow. When you start the treatment, some hair may shed as the hair enters a new growth cycle.
Finally, only take minoxidil under a doctor’s supervision and again, cease immediately if you are pregnant, become pregnant or are intending to become pregnant. This medication should not be used in pregnant women or people who have heart problems.
REFERENCES
Jimenez-Cauhe J, Saceda-Corralo D, Rodrigues-Barata R, et al. Effectiveness and safety of low-dose oral minoxidil in male androgenetic alopecia. J Am Acad Dermatol . 2019;81(2):648-649. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.04.054
Panchaprateep, R., Lueangarun, S. Efficacy and Safety of Oral Minoxidil 5 mg Once Daily in the Treatment of Male Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: An Open-Label and Global Photographic Assessment. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 10, 1345–1357 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-020-00448-x
Michael Randolph, Antonella Tosti, Oral minoxidil treatment for hair loss: A review of efficacy and safety, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2020, ,ISSN 0190-9622,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2020.06.1009.
