How much oral minoxidil should you take daily?

Oral minoxidil is widely used for non-scarring hair loss by dermatologists because it’s effective. This guide for patients by Dr. Om, board-certified dermatologist, answers common questions about its use for hair loss.

Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Amit Om
Dermatologist

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Last updated November 2025.

Dr. Amit Om, board-certified dermatologist, says that oral minoxidil is an increasingly popular prescription option for treating hair loss in both men and women. Originally developed to manage high blood pressure, it is now prescribed off-label in low doses to stimulate hair growth, particularly when topical minoxidil does not deliver results.

In this guide, Dr. Om explains:

The recommended oral minoxidil dosages for men and women
How long it takes to work
Common side effects and safety tips
How to get an oral minoxidil prescription online through Miiskin

What is oral minoxidil?

Dr. Om, says that oral minoxidil is a tablet form of the same medication found in topical minoxidil (Rogaine®). While the topical solution is applied directly to the scalp, the oral version is taken once daily and works systemically to stimulate hair follicles.

In some cases, dermatologists prescribe it off-label to treat:

Male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)
Female pattern hair loss
Chronic telogen effluvium
Alopecia areata

Dr. Om says that compared to topical forms, oral minoxidil can be more convenient and effective for some patients, especially those who experience scalp irritation or find it difficult to apply liquid or foam daily.

Learn more: Oral vs topical minoxidil – which works better?

Get an online prescription for minoxidil

Get an oral minoxidil prescription online for hair growth with a board-certified dermatologist.

Get minoxidil prescription

Why take oral minoxidil for hair loss?

Dr. Om explains why oral minoxidil is becoming so popular among dermatologists and patients:

Combination therapy: oral minoxidil may be used in combination with other treatments, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of a hair loss treatment regimen.
Affordable: Minoxidil tablets are about $1 per tablet, which is less expensive than topical formulations, especially when considering the long-term use.
Effective: Studies suggest that oral minoxidil is at least as effective than topical minoxidil in promoting hair growth.
Uniform hair growth: Oral administration ensures better absorption and since it is systemically absorbed, it promotes a much more even hair growth.
Convenient: Taking a tablet is often easier and less messy than applying a topical solution evenly throughout the entire head.

When to see a dermatologist for hair loss?

Dr. Om says that if you have tried topical minoxidil without success or want a more convenient treatment, it may be a good idea to consult an online dermatologist via Miiskin.

The dermatologists in the Miiskin network can:

Assess your hair loss type
Prescribe the right oral minoxidil dose (or alternate medication, if not suitable for you)
Provide medication refill visits and follow-up support to monitor results

How to get an oral minoxidil prescription online?

Dr. Om explains that oral minoxidil is prescription-only and should be taken under medical guidance. With Miiskin, you can get a prescription with a dermatologist in approximately 24 hours, without leaving home.

Here’s how getting an online prescription works

Complete a short online consultation with details about your hair loss. First time consultation is $59 and medication renewals are only $39. Wait 1-2 days to get a response.
A board-certified dermatologist reviews your case and prescribes oral minoxidil if suitable. If it is not suitable for your hair loss, you will still get a treatment plan that is safe and adequate for you.
You buy your medication at a local or online pharmacy and the medication is delivered to your door through the partnered pharmacy.

Get an online prescription for minoxidil

Get an oral minoxidil prescription online for hair growth with a board-certified dermatologist.

Get minoxidil prescription

Recommended oral minoxidil dose for hair loss

Dr. Om says that there is no one-size-fits-all dose. Your online dermatologist will determine the right amount based on your gender, health profile, and how you respond to treatment. He also added that you should never adjust your dose without speaking to your dermatologist.

Recommended oral minoxidil dose for men

Typical starting dose: 1.25 mg daily
Maintenance dose: 2.5–5 mg daily
The dose may be gradually increased under medical supervision for optimal results.

Recommended oral minoxidil dose for women

Typical starting dose: 0.625–1.25 mg once daily (¼–½ of a 2.5 mg tablet)
Maintenance dose: up to 2.5 mg daily
Lower doses are usually recommended to minimize unwanted facial or body hair growth.

How long does oral minoxidil take to work?

Dr. Om says patience is key with hair growth treatments. Most people start to see visible improvements after 3–6 months of consistent use.

Timeframe	What to expect
0–2 months	Mild shedding phase (normal part of regrowth cycle)
3–4 months	Reduced shedding; early fine regrowth
6+ months	Noticeable thickening and improved density

Shedding in the first few weeks is a sign the medication is working, as it resets your hair growth cycle.

Common side effects of oral minoxidil

Dr. Om explains that while low-dose oral minoxidil is generally well tolerated, side effects can occur. These are usually mild and dose-dependent. If you experience any severe side effects, stop the medication and contact your dermatologist.

Possible side effects

Mild swelling in hands, feet, or face
Temporary shedding (telogen effluvium)
Increased hair growth in other areas (arms, face)
Dizziness or lightheadedness (from lower blood pressure)

Rare side effects

Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
Fluid retention
Headache

Who should avoid oral minoxidil?

According to Dr. Om, oral minoxidil is not suitable for everyone. You should avoid it or talk to your dermatologist if you:

Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have a history of heart, kidney, or liver disease
Have low blood pressure or are taking antihypertensive medication
Are allergic to minoxidil

Get an online prescription for minoxidil

Get an oral minoxidil prescription online for hair growth with a board-certified dermatologist.

Get minoxidil prescription

Frequently asked questions about oral minoxidil dose

Learn more about the different dosages used of oral minoxidil for men and women.

What is the highest dose of minoxidil for hair loss?

Dr. Om says that the highest dose of minoxidil usually prescribed for hair loss in men is 5 mg per day and 2.5 mg per day for women.

What is the lowest dose of minoxidil for hair loss?

Dr. Om says that the lowest reported doses of oral minoxidil prescribed for hair loss in women is 0.25 mg per day and for men it is 1.25 mg. In clinical practice, however, Dr. Om says that there isn’t a ‘lowest dose’ for men and women since the dose may be influenced by patient factors such as age, blood pressure, other medications or the severity of a patient’s condition.

What happens if I miss a dose of minoxidil for hair loss?

Dr. Om explains that if you miss a dose of oral minoxidil, you should take it as soon as possible. However, if it is very close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and follow your regular dosing schedule. You should not take double doses.

What happens if I take a double dose of minoxidil?

Dr. Om emphasizes that if you take a double dose of minoxidil by accident once, you will probably be fine, but make sure this does not happen on a regular basis and pay attention to any side effects that may arise as a consequence of the double dose. If you notice serious side effects, notify your doctor.

Can I take oral minoxidil for hair loss indefinitely?

Dr. Om explains that oral minoxidil can often be used long-term for hair loss as long as it remains effective and well tolerated. He emphasizes that regular follow-up is essential to monitor for side effects such as changes in blood pressure, swelling, or increased body hair. Most patients who respond to treatment can continue it indefinitely, with adjustments made as needed based on individual response and tolerance.

If I take a higher dose of oral minoxidil will my hair grow faster?

Dr. Om advises that while higher doses of oral minoxidil may enhance hair growth for some individuals, the increased risk of side effects often outweighs the benefits. He explains that the medication’s effectiveness does not always scale linearly with dosage, and higher amounts can lead to complications like fluid retention, dizziness, or unwanted body hair. The safest approach is to find the lowest effective dose that produces satisfactory results.

When I take oral minoxidil for hair loss, will the hair grow in the rest of my body?

Dr. Om confirms that oral minoxidil can cause hair growth on parts of the body beyond the scalp, a side effect known as hypertrichosis. He explains that this occurs because minoxidil works systemically, potentially stimulating hair follicles in areas such as the face, arms, or chest. This side effect is more common at higher doses and often improves or resolves if the dose is lowered or the medication is discontinued.

Can I combine oral minoxidil with oral finasteride for hair loss if I am male?

Dr. Om states that combining oral minoxidil with oral finasteride is a common and well-supported approach for treating male pattern hair loss. He notes that minoxidil enhances hair growth by prolonging the hair cycle’s growth phase, while finasteride reduces the hormone DHT, which contributes to follicle shrinkage. Used together under medical supervision, these medications can provide a more robust and sustained response.

Can I combine oral minoxidil with oral spironolactone for hair loss if I am female?

Dr. Om affirms that oral minoxidil and oral spironolactone can be safely combined for treating hair loss in women, particularly in cases related to androgen sensitivity. He explains that spironolactone reduces androgen activity, helping to prevent further hair thinning, while minoxidil stimulates new growth. This combination is often effective and well tolerated, but he recommends regular monitoring for potential side effects such as blood pressure changes or menstrual irregularities.

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