Should I Use Oral Minoxidil For Hair Loss?

This question comes from a member of the Hair Restoration Social Community and Discussion Forums:

I recently underwent a hair transplant procedure and I’m now looking for some form of hair loss medication to help maintain my natural hair. I’ve heard people discuss taking oral minoxidil (traditionally known as the topical hair loss drug Rogaine) or Loniten. Is this recommended? Will it help with my hair loss? Are there any side effects?

As you may know, minoxidil (the active hair restoration ingredient in Rogaine) was originally used as a high blood pressure medication. However, after introducing the drug, patients utilizing minoxidil, or Loniten as it was marketed in oral (pill) form, began to experience an unexpected side effect – increased growth and darkening of body hair. It didn’t take long for biomedical companies to realize the potential this compound had as a hair restoration drug, and it was soon produced in a 2%, topical form for those experiencing hair loss.

Knowing this, it’s understandable to wonder if oral minoxidil could be used to treat genetic baldness. Although numerous patients have found success with topical minoxidil, it is difficult to recommend the oral version as a hair loss medication. There are three reasons why oral minoxidil (Loniten) should probably not be used as a hair loss medication:

First, individuals who utilize Loniten for high blood pressure are also required to take a second medication to help the body rid itself of excess water. Without taking this secondary medication, a patient on Loniten will experience significant water retention and weight gain.

Second, Loniten boasts a series of side effects that are likely avoidable in the topical form. Side effects include salt and water retention (swelling), weight gain, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, unwanted hair growth (which has been reported in the arms, legs, forehead, cheeks, and eyebrows), chest, arm, and shoulder pain, nausea, digestive issues, and dizziness.

Third, the topical form is approved, tested, and highly recommended specifically for hair loss.

Frankly, taking an oral form of minoxidil poses various issues (that are not generally associated with the topical version) and does not boast any tested values with regard to scalp hair. It’s more advantageous to investigate using the 2% of 5% version of topical minoxidil to fight hair loss. Furthermore, it may help to discuss these issues with a trusted hair restoration physician.

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Blake – aka Future_HT_Doc

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum

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