Oral Minoxidil (Rogaine) for Hair Loss?

This question comes from a member of our hair loss social community and discussion forums: 

I read online about a hair restoration physician in another country who prescribes oral minoxidil (oral Rogaine) for his patients. However, it doesn’t seem like it is available in the U.S. (where I live). Can I take oral minoxidil for my hair loss?

In the United States, oral minoxidil is not approved for the treatment of any type of hair loss. Oral minoxidil is a serious anti-hypertensive (high blood pressure) medication; so serious, in fact, that most who use it must also take a secondary medication to prevent fluid accumulation and potential damage to vital organs (like the kidneys).

Due to the serious safety profile, it is not approved for the treatment of androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). In fact, outside of refractory hypertension, it is not used much period. I can’t truly comment on the prescribing habits of hair loss physicians in other countries, nor am I sure what type of experience this doctor has with oral minoxidil. I can say, however, that the drug has not been thoroughly reviewed and approved for hair loss (like the topical version of minoxidil (Rogaine)). 
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Blake Bloxham – formerly “Future_HT_Doc”

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning

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