Minoxidil Tablets

Minoxidil Tablets for Hair Loss

What are Minoxidil tablets used for?

Minoxidil is a prescription-only medicine that contains the active substance minoxidil, which was originally developed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) by widening blood vessels.

While it’s licensed to treat high blood pressure, minoxidil has also been shown to support hair regrowth at much lower doses, and it’s widely used for this purpose today.

Hair loss of this kind is often caused by hormonal and genetic factors. In men, this usually shows up as pattern hair loss (also known as androgenetic alopecia), while women can experience a similar pattern known as female pattern hair loss.

Some doctors and pharmacists may prescribe minoxidil oral tablets off-label for hair loss in the UK, though its primary approved use remains the treatment of high blood pressure. If you’re looking to buy minoxidil tablets UK pharmacies can only supply them for hair loss after a consultation with a doctor or pharmacist.

How do Minoxidil oral tablets work?

Minoxidil belongs to a group of medicines called vasodilators. It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which allows blood to flow through them more easily. This is what lowers blood pressure when minoxidil is used to treat hypertension.

For hair regrowth, this same effect improves blood flow to the hair follicles on the scalp. With a better blood supply, follicles can stay in their growth phase for longer, which helps stimulate hair growth and encourages dormant follicles to start new hair growth.

Who can take Minoxidil tablets?

Minoxidil tablets are suitable for men and for use by women aged 18 and over. They aren’t suitable for anyone under 18.

Don’t take minoxidil tablets if you:

• Are allergic to minoxidil or any of the other ingredients
• Have high blood pressure caused by a hormone-producing tumour near the kidneys (phaeochromocytoma)

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking minoxidil tablets if you:

• Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding
• Have heart failure or have ever had a heart attack
• Have kidney problems, particularly if you’re on dialysis
• Are already taking medicines to lower your blood pressure

How To Take Minoxidil Tablets

For hair regrowth, the usual starting dose is half a tablet (1.25mg) once daily for the first 14 days. After this, most people move to one whole tablet (2.5mg) once daily.

Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. It can be taken with or without food.

Don’t change your dose without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist first. It can take several months of consistent use before you notice an improvement in hair growth.

Side Effects of Minoxidil Tablets

Minoxidil is generally well-tolerated at the low doses used for hair loss, and most people don’t experience any potential side effects. These become more likely at higher doses, and minoxidil may cause:

• Fluid retention, causing weight gain or ankle swelling
• Increased heart rate or palpitations
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Low blood pressure, causing dizziness or fainting
• Increased hair growth on the face or other areas of the body
• Skin rashes
• Nausea or vomiting
• Breast tenderness
• Changes shown in blood test results

Some people notice increased shedding as the hair growth cycle adjusts when they first start treatment. This is usually temporary and tends to settle within the first 6 weeks.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• A rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Fainting or severe dizziness
• Sudden or severe swelling of the ankles, feet or hands

If you experience any side effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist, even if they’re not listed here. For a full list of side effects, read the patient information leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Minoxidil Tablets Ingredients

Active ingredient: Minoxidil 2.5mg

Other ingredients: Lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, maize starch, colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate

Warnings and Precautions

• Minoxidil tablets contain lactose. If you’ve been told you have an intolerance to some sugars, speak to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines you’re taking, including those bought without a prescription, as some can interact with minoxidil.
• If you’re on treatment for high blood pressure, your doctor will want to monitor you closely if minoxidil is used alongside these medicines.
• Minoxidil tablets may make you feel faint or dizzy, particularly when you first start treatment. If affected, don’t drive or operate machinery.
• Weigh yourself regularly while taking this medicine. Tell your doctor if you notice sudden weight gain, as this could be a sign of fluid retention.
• Don’t stop taking minoxidil tablets or change your dose without speaking to your doctor first.
• If you’re due to have an ECG or blood tests, let your doctor know you’re taking minoxidil, as it can affect the results.
• Speak to your doctor before taking this medicine if you’re pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging.