Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a vasodilator with two distinct roles: a tablet taken for high blood pressure, and a scalp application used for androgenetic alopecia. Both rely on the same relaxing effect on blood vessels, but they act in different places and are not interchangeable.
Medicines containing Minoxidil
Minoxidil Tablets
Hypertension
5 · 10mg
Minoxidil Tablets contain minoxidil, a blood pressure medicine, in several strengths and pack sizes. You can compare the price per tablet across options.
Key points
- The tablet form widens arteries throughout the body to lower blood pressure; the topical form is directed at the scalp.
- Visible change from scalp treatment usually takes 2 to 4 months, and continuous use is required to maintain it.
- Minoxidil is not for people under 18, and it is generally contraindicated in pregnancy.
What minoxidil is used for
As an oral medicine, minoxidil is used for hypertension where blood pressure needs to be brought down. Applied to the scalp, it is used for androgenetic alopecia, the common patterned hair loss that thins the crown and hairline. This pattern of loss tends to progress, and treatment aims to slow it and encourage regrowth in the affected areas.
How it works
Minoxidil relaxes the muscle in the walls of arteries, so the vessels widen and resistance to blood flow falls; that is how the tablets lower blood pressure. On the scalp, it induces vasodilation in scalp vessels and prolongs the anagen, or growth, phase of the hair cycle, which can improve thickness and density.
Forms and brands
Two products are available. Rogaine is a topical bottle preparation in 5% and 10% strengths for androgenetic alopecia. Minoxidil Tablets come as 5 mg and 10 mg tablets for hypertension. Topical minoxidil is supplied as a cutaneous solution or foam, and other options for thinning hair sit within the hair loss range. The choice between solution, foam and tablet follows the purpose, whether dermatological or cardiovascular. Orders are prepared by pharmacy partners in India and shipped to Malaysia in discreet packaging.
Safety
Minoxidil should not be used by anyone with hypersensitivity to it, by people with pheochromocytoma, or on a scalp that is damaged or inflamed. Keep the topical preparation away from the eyes, stop it if systemic effects appear, and note that the formulation is flammable, so avoid exposure to open flame. Minor reactions include erythema, pruritus, dermatitis and hypertrichosis; scalp dryness and local irritation are also reported. Tachycardia and hypotension are serious effects that need immediate medical attention. Guanethidine is an interacting medicine. Minoxidil is generally contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding mothers should consult a physician first, and it is not for people under 18.
Further reading
FAQ
What conditions can minoxidil treat?
As an oral medicine, minoxidil is used for hypertension where blood pressure needs to be brought down. Applied to the scalp, it is used for androgenetic alopecia, the common patterned hair loss that thins the crown and hairline.
How does minoxidil work in the body and scalp?
Minoxidil relaxes the muscle in the walls of arteries, so the vessels widen and resistance to blood flow falls, which lowers blood pressure. On the scalp, it induces vasodilation in scalp vessels and prolongs the anagen, or growth, phase of the hair cycle, which can improve thickness and density.
How long does minoxidil take to show results?
Visible change from scalp treatment usually takes 2 to 4 months, and continuous use is required to maintain it.
Which products here contain minoxidil?
You'll find minoxidil in Rogaine and Minoxidil Tablets, among others. The listing above lets you compare forms, strengths and packs.
What side effects can minoxidil cause?
Minor reactions include erythema, pruritus, dermatitis and hypertrichosis; scalp dryness and local irritation are also reported. Tachycardia and hypotension are serious effects that need immediate medical attention. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned.
Can minoxidil interact with other medicines?
Guanethidine is an interacting medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about combining minoxidil with other medicines.
Who should not use minoxidil?
Minoxidil is not for people under 18, and it is generally contraindicated in pregnancy. It should not be used by anyone with hypersensitivity to it, by people with pheochromocytoma, or on a scalp that is damaged or inflamed. Breastfeeding mothers should consult a physician first.
Which other brands contain minoxidil?
Apart from what's listed here, you may see minoxidil sold as Regaine and Loniten. Brand names change from country to country, so the active ingredient is the safest thing to compare.
Can I order minoxidil online in Malaysia?
Yes. Our pharmacy partners send orders from India to Malaysia in plain, discreet packaging. Express Tracked Courier takes up to 1 week; Standard Airmail can take up to 3 weeks.
How ordering works →Last updated