Minoxidil 2.5mg Tablets for Hair Loss

What are Minoxidil tablets?

Minoxidil is a treatment used for male pattern baldness. Typically early stages where the hair is receding around the temples and crown.

Minoxidil can either be taken orally or in a topical solution known as Minoxidil Solution that is applied directly to the scalp.

How does Minoxidil work?

The oral Minoxidil tablets boost blood flow and oxygen in the blood vessels, helping to deliver nutrients and strengthen weak hair follicles.

Minoxidil tablets are an unlicensed medicine used for off-label hair loss treatment in men. They are usually prescribed for high blood pressure in much higher doses than for hair loss.

Minoxidil is not available for women as a hair loss treatment, Regaine foam for women is available.

How to take Minoxidil tablets?

Take half a tablet daily for 14 days then one tablet daily after the first 14 days.

These tablets can be taken with or without food.

Within the first 6 weeks of use it is normal to experience some hair shedding.

Using Minoxidil 2.5 mg tablets for hair loss as an off-label treatment:

Minoxidil 2.5mg tablets are primarily prescribed to treat high blood pressure but at higher doses than those used for hair loss treatment. However, it may be prescribed "off-label" for male hair loss.

"Off-label" means the medication is being used for a condition not originally approved in its license. As a result, the patient information leaflet may not mention hair loss treatment. Always follow the instructions on your medicine label exactly and contact us if you have any questions about your medication or treatment.

Excessive hair (Hypertrichosis). The most common side effect is hypertrichosis for both men and women- excess hair growth elsewhere on the face and body. Excess growth is more likely to occur at higher doses. While this side effect is bothersome, it can usually be managed with hair removal methods and is not a common reason for someone to stop. Hypertrichosis may affect 10-25% of those on low doses (<4mg) and up to 50% of those on higher doses (>5mg). Vañó-Galván et al showed that 20% of women and 6% of men experienced hypertrichosis. Of those that experience this side effect, only 5% of women and 0% of men find it necessary to stop treatment.

Temporary shedding. Temporary shedding is very common at the onset of starting oral or topical Minoxidil. This side effect occurs within the first 6 weeks and can be of significant concern. However, it is important to continue with the medication as this will stop after 4 weeks.

Ankle swelling and fluid retention. Swelling of the lower legs can occur in up to 3% people. This is usually at higher doses. Fluid retention can also sometimes show up around the eyes as puffy eyes, which are worse in the morning. Vañó-Galván et al showed that 1.3% get ankle swelling (25% of these individuals stop treatment), and 0.3% experience swelling around the eyes (0% need to stop treatment for this).

Low blood pressure and feeling lightheaded. Minoxidil is also used to control high blood pressure, usually at doses of 10-40mg per day – much higher than the doses used for hair loss. However, even lower doses can sometimes cause a reduction in blood pressure. 2% of people may get postural hypotension with low doses of Minoxidil. 8% may have general symptoms of lightheadedness. This leads to dizziness when getting up quickly. 1.7% of those on low-dose Minoxidil experience lightheadedness, and of these, only 11% need to stop treatment.

Fast heart rate. Minoxidil can also cause a fast heart rate, but this is usually at higher doses. You should alert your doctor if you are taking other medications, such as asthma inhalers which can also increase the heart rate. 0.9% of those on low-dose oral minoxidil appear to experience this side effect, and 33% of these individuals need to stop treatment.

Headaches. Headaches may occur in as many as 9% of people, but again, this seems to get better with time. 0.4% experience this side effect, and of these 44% need to stop treatment.

Uncommon side effects include – nightmares, insomnia, pericarditis, skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, and breast tenderness.

It is important to report side effects to your doctor. However, if there is a rapid increase in pulse rate, palpitations, feeling dizzy, shortness of breath, chest pain and fainting, then you are advised to go to the A&E department or call the emergency services.

Click here for the Minoxidil Patient Information Leaflet

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the above description and patient information leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for “MHRA yellowcard” in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.