Oral Minoxidil 2.5mg

Oral minoxidil is a commonly prescribed off-label hair loss tablet to help treat thinning hair for men, similar to the topical minoxidil spray/foam, which is licensed to treat hair loss.

While it was originally developed to help people with hypertension (high blood pressure), and is currently only licensed for this purpose, it's safe to use for hair loss under the guidance of a medical professional.

Is oral minoxidil safe?

Oral minoxidil is commonly used at low doses for hair loss and is generally well tolerated when taken as directed. While it isn’t licensed in the UK specifically for treating hair loss, it's often prescribed off‑label by healthcare professionals.

Off‑label use is a normal and accepted part of medical care in the UK and simply means a medicine is being used in a different way from its original licence. When prescribed following a clinical assessment, oral minoxidil is widely used in hair loss treatment.

The way in which minoxidil works to treat hair loss is not yet fully understood. We do know that it’s a vasodilator, meaning that it widens blood vessel. This allows for more oxygen and nutrients to reach your hair follicles, encouraging hair growth.

Compared to the topical spray and foam, oral minoxidil works from the inside out, with the treatment being converted to its active metabolite in your liver and then delivered through the bloodstream.

How long does oral minoxidil take to work?

Minoxidil starts working right away, but you might not notice any visible results until 3-6 months after you start taking it. This is in part because new hair growth forms part of a cycle that takes time to show.

Oral minoxidil has been shown to help improve hair thickness and density when taken at low daily doses.

For example, in a clinical study, men taking 2.5 mg oral minoxidil daily experienced greater increases in hair count and thickness than those using topical minoxidil over 6 months.

Oral minoxidil

Topical minoxidil

Average dose

1.25mg – 2.5mg

1ml per day (liquid), or 1mg per day (foam)

How to use

One tablet taken daily

Applied directly to the scalp

Availability

Available prescription-only following a consultation with a healthcare professional

Available over the counter

Cost

£23.99 a month

£22.99 a month

License

Licensed to treat hypertension but may be prescribed off-label for hair loss

Licensed to treat hair loss

Minoxidil tablets, like any other medication can cause side effects, though not everyone will experience them. Due to the nature of the medication, there is a slightly greater risks of whole-body side effects with minoxidil tablets compared to the spray.

However, at lower doses, oral minoxidil still has a good safety profile. Common side effects of minoxidil include:

• increased heart rate
• inflammation of the lining of the heart
• dizziness

myPharmacy will only prescribe oral minoxidil in an off-label indication for hair loss for men. We will not prescribe oral minoxidil if:

• you have ever had an allergic reaction to minoxidil
• you have high blood pressure (controlled or uncontrolled)
• you are taking other medications that lower blood pressure
• you suffer from cardiovascular disease

Alternatively, you should speak to a doctor first if:

• you are taking other medication
• are intolerant to certain sugars, as the tablets contain lactose

Store in a dry, dark, and cool place, protected from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep in original packaging out of site and reach of children and pets.

Oral minoxidil is an alternative to other medical hair loss treatments like finasteride (men only) or topical minoxidil. Both of which are proven effective at treating male pattern baldness.

Other treatments available for hair loss can include cosmetic procedures like hair transplants.

Is oral minoxidil better than topical minoxidil?

A study in 2023 showed that there is little difference between the effectiveness of oral and topical minoxidil at treating hair loss, but oral minoxidil may be suitable for patients who have not responded to topical minoxidil.

Can women use oral minoxidil?

While there have been some studies showing that oral minoxidil can be an effective treatment for women, currently myPharmacy does not prescribe this medicine to people assigned female at birth.

Can you use oral minoxidil after a hair transplant?

You can take oral minoxidil after a hair transplant to help support growth, though it's usually recommended to wait a few weeks until after your surgery. If you are unsure, always speak to a doctor or your prescriber first.

Does the NHS prescribe oral minoxidil?

The NHS does not prescribe oral minoxidil for hair loss as the oral form is not licenced for this condition. Oral minoxidil is only prescribed by the NHS for some forms of high blood pressure.

Can you use finasteride with minoxidil tablets?

Yes, as oral minoxidil and finasteride work differently they can be taken together. Finasteride inhibits DHT (a hormone responsible for hair loss), while minoxidil increases blood flow.

• Safety of low-dose oral minoxidil for hair loss (2022). JAAD. [Accessed 13th April 2026]
• Efficacy and safety of oral minoxidil in comparison to topical form in male pattern hair loss (2025). Springer. [Accessed 13th April 2026]
• Clinical efficacy and safety of low-dose oral minoxidil versus topical solution in the improvement of androgenetic alopecia (2023). PubMed. [Accessed 13th April 2026]