Oral Minoxidil (Men's) — Important Safety Information
Low-dose oral minoxidil for hair loss (off-label). Watch for fluid retention, swelling, fast heartbeat, and increased body or facial hair.
Minoxidil tablets are FDA-approved for the treatment of hypertension. Use of low-dose oral minoxidil for hair loss is an off-label use, supported by clinical evidence and prescribed at the discretion of your EOS Health-affiliated provider following an individualized medical evaluation. Individual results will vary.
What is oral minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a vasodilator that is FDA-approved in tablet form (Loniten®) to treat high blood pressure. At the low doses used for hair loss, it is prescribed off-label to stimulate hair growth. It is taken by mouth once daily.
Who should not take oral minoxidil?
- You have a pheochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumor).
- You have a known allergy to minoxidil.
- You have significant or uncontrolled heart disease, pericardial disease (fluid around the heart), or have had a recent heart attack.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How should I take oral minoxidil?
Take exactly as prescribed, once daily at about the same time each day, with or without food. Do not take more than prescribed. Your provider will start you at a low dose and adjust based on your response and tolerance.
What should I tell my EOS Health-affiliated provider?
Tell your provider all medications you take, especially other blood-pressure medications, diuretics, and other vasodilators. Share your full medical history, especially: heart disease, heart failure, pericardial effusion, kidney disease, low blood pressure, or a tendency to retain fluid.
Most serious side effects
If experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
- Fluid retention and swelling (edema), including rapid weight gain or swelling of the ankles, feet, or abdomen.
- Fast or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia) or palpitations.
- Pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart) — rare at low doses; seek care for chest pain, shortness of breath, or difficulty lying flat.
- Lightheadedness or fainting from a drop in blood pressure.
- Serious allergic reaction.
Most common side effects
- Increased hair growth on the body and face (hypertrichosis).
- A temporary increase in hair shedding during the first weeks of treatment ("dread shed").
- Mild swelling of the ankles or feet.
- Headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
This information is not comprehensive. Please reach out to your EOS Health-affiliated provider with any questions or concerns.