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Home / Get minoxidil prescription online

Get an oral minoxidil prescription online

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Table of Content:

What is oral minoxidil? | What is minoxidil used for? | Minoxidil brand names | How to get minoxidil? | Get a prescription for oral minoxidil | How does minoxidil work? | Benefits | Warnings and precautions | Side effects | How to use minoxidil? | Minoxidil and other medications | Minoxidil prescription faq


Content last updated: October 2025


Dermatologist  Dr. Amit Om
Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Amit Om
Dermatologist
what is oral minoxidil medication

What is oral minoxidil?

Oral minoxidil is a medication approved by the FDA for the  treatment of high blood pressure. However, studies revealed that it caused hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth) in about 75% of patients taking the medication1.

The use of oral minoxidil for hair loss has become extremely popular over the last year since it is possible to achieve hair growth  at a low dose (0.25-2.5 mg/day) while keeping adverse side effects to a minimum.

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Types of hair loss treated with oral minoxidil

Low dose of oral minoxidil is used as an off-label treatment2 for different types of hair loss in men and women such as

Male pattern hair loss

Female pattern hair loss

Alopecia areata

Telogen effluvium

Brand names of oral minoxidil

  • Loniten
  • Minodyl
  • Minoxidil HTN
minoxidil medications

How to get oral minoxidil?

How to get an oral minoxidil prescription?

To request an oral minoxidil prescription, you can start an online consultation with a dermatologist via Miiskin.

What is the price of an oral minoxidil prescription online?

The online consultation to get an oral minoxidil prescription with a board-certified dermatologist is around $59 for new patients and $39 for patients who need a prescription renewal.

Oral minoxidil: Where to buy it?
After receiving your prescription, you can then buy oral minoxidil at a local or online pharmacy.

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how to get oral minoxidil prescription online

How to get an oral minoxidil prescription?

  1. Select “Start consultation” to sign up.
  2. Fill out the consultation form.
  3. An independent dermatologist will prescribe minoxidil to you, if medically appropriate.
  4. Purchase minoxidil from the pharmacy of your choice.
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Buy prescription medicine

Process to getting an oral minoxidil prescription online
Through a virtual consultation, you can connect with a dermatologist by using the Miiskin platform. After evaluating your case, if the dermatologist confirms that oral minoxidil is the right choice for you, the dermatologist will send a prescription to the pharmacy of your choice.

Oral minoxidil explained

How does oral minoxidil work?

Hair follicle growth is a cyclic process that goes through three phases: growth (anagen), transition (catagen), and rest (telogen). During each cycle, there are periods of rapid hair growth followed by periods of no growth, which are caused by signals that lead to cell death3.

Minoxidil works by decreasing the rest phase, or telogen phase, of the hair growth cycle, while also prolonging the growth phase, or anagen phase. As a result, hair stays in a growing phase for a longer period, leading to increased length, thickness, and scalp coverage4.

Moreover, Minoxidil has the additional effect of expanding blood vessels in the scalp, enhancing blood supply to hair follicles. This could also boost the availability of essential nutrients, promoting hair regrowth5.
Studies have shown promising results exploring the use of low-dose oral minoxidil for the treatment of alopecia6 7 8.

minoxidil's mode of action
what is oral minoxidil medication

Does oral minoxidil help with hair loss after menopause?

Although evidence is still limited, research suggests that oral minoxidil can be effective for hair loss after menopause9. Postmenopausal hair loss is often due to hormonal changes that lead to a condition called female pattern hair loss (FPHL), a gradual thinning of hair, especially on the crown and top of the scalp. 

Here’s how it helps:

  • Increases blood flow to hair follicles: This can prolong the growth (anagen) phase of the hair cycle.
  • Improves hair density: Over time, you may notice thicker, stronger hair growth.
  • Slows down shedding: With consistent use, many women see reduced hair shedding and gradual regrowth.

 

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Benefits of oral minoxidil for hair growth

suitable for everyone

Increases hair thickness and density

extremely powerful medication

Works for topical non-responders

appropriate for both genders

Can be used by men and women

promotes the growth of hair

Stimulates new hair growth

slows the loss of hair

Slows down hair loss

compatible with topical minoxidil

Can boost combo treatments

Warnings and side effects

Warning and precautions when using oral minoxidil

Oral minoxidil cannot be used by people with heart disease. There is also a risk of developing pericardial effusion that may progress to cardiac tamponade and angina pectoris exacerbation with oral minoxidil9. 

During the course of this medication, it is advisable to keep track of your pulse rate and blood pressure. Seek advice from your online dermatologist if you notice any changes. Additionally, it is suggested that you regularly weigh yourself while taking the medication and notify your healthcare provider if you gain more than 5 pounds or notice any swelling in your feet or legs10. 

Do not take oral minoxidil with other medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, since they may tend to increase your blood pressure.

Side effects of oral minoxidil

  • Lower blood pressure
  • Water retention
  • Headaches and dizziness
  • Palpitations and chest pain
  • Swelling around the eyes, feet or lower legs
  • Hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth)
  • Insomnia11

Furthermore, remember that if the minoxidil has expired or been open for a long time, you should not take it. Explore in-depth information about minoxidil and its expiration date in this article “Does minoxidil have an expiration date?“

What patients say about Miiskin

Very happy with this service. Quick and easy. With someone with not the greatest insurance and super busy. This was perfect. Got my prescription next day and great advice for my condition.

Marcus Liniarski,
Patient Review →

10 of 10stars

I had a great experience with Miiskin – I was able to get my prescription very quickly and their app is easy to use. It was very convenient and their team is very responsive. I highly recommend them and will likely use them in the future for other skin issues.

Susie Tse,
Patient Review →

10 of 10stars

What a technology! I was very impressed by the speed of communication with a doctor using the Miiskin app. Losing my hair has been my biggest concern, but I didn’t have the courage to reveal my bald spot to a doctor in person. Miiskin solved all my issues instantly. I just took a photo in my own room, uploaded it, and wrote about my concerns. That’s it. The best part is that without insurance, the consultation fee was much lower than any health insurance. I submitted my photo at midnight and received a prescription the very next morning. The doctor at Miiskin was very professional and empathetic, which really helped ease my emotional distress. Although I’m just at the beginning stage of my treatment and haven’t seen significant results yet, I feel reassured and supported. I will definitely upload my progress in 3 to 4 months to show my appreciation for the prescription from Miiskin.

Jiyeon Kang,
Patient Review →

10 of 10stars

My dermatologist was extremely quick, reviewed my consultation request within 2hrs and I had my Rx the next day! The Miiskin team also responds within minutes and are very polite and communicated concisely. I’ll never make a in person appointment again after experiencing this outstanding and affordable telehealth service!

Dion H,
Patient Review →

10 of 10stars

Quick response from the dermatologist — I wanted a fast turnaround for a skin concern that would be more immediate than going through health insurance, making an appointment, traveling to the doctor.

Timothy C.
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10 of 10stars

Understanding oral minoxidil usage

how to take minoxidil orally

How to use minoxidil?

Minoxidil is most commonly prescribed in 2.5 mg tablets for hair loss.

A common starting dose for hair loss may vary between (0.25 mg – 1.25 mg) per day. You can get a tablet cutter from your pharmacy and cut a 2.5 mg tablet into quarters or halves to get to the desired dose; however, the optimal dose for hair loss is not entirely clear and you and your online dermatologist may be required to test different doses to find the one that suits your needs. For men, a slightly higher dose may sometimes be required.

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Medications that can be combined with oral minoxidil

minoxidil

Topical minoxidil and oral minoxidil can be used together to increase efficacy.

finasteride

Oral finasteride has a very different mechanism of action as it blocks the effect of androgens on hair follicles in androgenic alopecia, therefore they can be used in combination.

dutasteride

Oral dutasteride works quite similarly to finasteride but it is more effective, therefore it can be combined with oral minoxidil.

Medications that cannot be combined with oral minoxidil

nitroglycerin medication

Nitroglycerin: Minoxidil can increase the vasodilatory effects of nitroglycerin, which can lead to a significant drop in blood pressure.

calcium channel blockers medications

Calcium channel blockers: these medications are used to reduce blood pressure and since minoxidil lowers blood pressure it is not advisable to combine these drugs.

medications ace inhibitors

ACE inhibitors: these medications are used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, therefore it is not advisable to use them in combination with oral minoxidil.

Provider & Prescription Information

Miiskin connects patients with independent dermatologists who provide care through their own private practices. Miiskin does not employ dermatologists and does not sell or distribute medications. Any prescriptions issued by the dermatologists can be filled at third-party pharmacies of the patient’s choice.

Frequently asked questions about oral minoxidil

Is oral minoxidil effective for hair loss?

Dr. Om says that low-dose oral minoxidil is effective for many people with androgenetic alopecia and other forms of hair thinning. It helps by prolonging the hair growth phase and thickening miniaturized hairs, often showing results within 3-6 months. It’s a good option for those who don’t tolerate or respond well to topical minoxidil, though it’s used off-label for this purpose.

Is oral minoxidil better than topical for hair loss?

Dr. Om says that oral minoxidil may be more effective and convenient than topical minoxidil for some people, especially those who get scalp irritation from the topical form or for those who find it hard to apply the topical form consistently. Dr. Om says it delivers a more uniform dose systemically, which can lead to better overall results in certain cases. However, it also comes with a higher risk of systemic side effects like facial hair growth and swelling, so the choice depends on your tolerance, preferences, and medical history.

Can oral minoxidil be used by women?

Dr. Om says oral minoxidil can be safely used by women at low doses to treat female pattern hair loss and other types of thinning. It’s often well tolerated and effective, but women may be more prone to side effects like unwanted facial hair growth. Dermatologists sometimes combine it with anti-androgen medications like spironolactone to reduce these effects and enhance results. It should not be taken if pregnant or planning. 

Is 2.5 mg of oral minoxidil safe?

According to Dr. Om, in most healthy adults, 2.5 mg daily is considered a safe and commonly used dose for hair loss, but side effects like facial hair growth, swelling, or dizziness may occur. People with heart, kidney, or liver conditions should be cautious, and baseline health evaluation is often recommended before starting.

Who should avoid oral minoxidil for hair loss?

Dr. Om says that patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, with heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension, kidney or liver problems, should avoid oral minoxidil. It’s also not ideal if you’re prone to swelling, have fluid retention issues, or are taking medications that could interact negatively.

Will I lose hair if I stop oral minoxidil?

Dr. Om says stopping oral minoxidil usually leads to a gradual loss of the hair gained during treatment, as the follicles return to their pre-treatment state. Shedding may begin within a few months of stopping, and tapering the dose might reduce the speed of this loss but won’t fully prevent it.

Can oral minoxidil cause weight gain?

Dr. Om says that although oral minoxidil doesn’t cause weight gain, it can cause fluid retention, leading to mild weight increases or swelling, especially in the ankles or legs. He added that this effect is dose-dependent and more likely in people with underlying health issues.

How long can you be on oral minoxidil?

Dr. Om says that it is possible to stay on oral minoxidil long term if you tolerate it well and it remains effective. Many people use it for many years, but regular monitoring for side effects and reassessment of your overall hair plan is recommended, especially for cardiovascular health.

Does minoxidil change hair texture?

Dr. Om says that both oral and topical minoxidil can change hair texture by  making it thicker, curlier, or a different color than their existing hair. However, he says this happens more often with topical formulations than it does with oral minoxidil.

Does oral minoxidil interact with your hormones?

Dr. Om says that oral minoxidil doesn’t directly affect sex or thyroid hormones. It works via blood flow and potassium channels, not hormone pathways, so hormonal imbalance isn’t a known side effect. However, it may enhance hair growth patterns that are influenced by existing hormones.

Is oral minoxidil hard on the liver?

Dr. Om says oral minoxidil is not known to be toxic to the liver in low doses, but since it’s metabolized there, he recommends using caution if you have liver disease. Liver function monitoring isn’t usually required unless you have preexisting liver issues or are on other liver-metabolized drugs.

What not to mix with oral minoxidil?

According to Dr. Om you should not combine oral minoxidil with other blood pressure medications, diuretics, or drugs that can increase potassium levels unless your doctor is monitoring you. Mixing it with alcohol or NSAIDs could worsen side effects like dizziness or swelling.

Is rosemary oil as effective as minoxidil?

Dr. Om says that although rosemary oil may mildly improve hair growth, it’s not consistently as effective as minoxidil. It may be a good option as a complementary treatment, but not a reliable replacement.

Should I take oral minoxidil in the morning or at night?

Dr. Om says he recommends taking it at night to reduce the impact of possible dizziness or lightheadedness during the day, but it is important to take it consistently at the same time each day.

What is the most common side effect of oral minoxidil?

According to Dr. Om, the most common side effect is increased body or facial hair (hypertrichosis), followed by ankle swelling or lightheadedness due to lowered blood pressure. These effects are usually dose-dependent and often mild at low doses.

How to tell if oral minoxidil is working?

Dr. Om says that the first signs you can notice that oral minoxidil is working if you notice less shedding, thicker hair, and improved scalp coverage over 3–6 months. Comparing before-and-after photos is helpful.

Does minoxidil thicken hair?

Dr. Om says that minoxidil thickens hair by converting fine, miniaturized hairs into thicker terminal hairs and extending the growth phase of the hair cycle. With consistent use, hair often looks fuller and denser.

Does oral minoxidil cause facial hair growth?

Dr. Om says facial hair growth is a common side effect, especially in women. It can appear on the upper lip, chin, or cheeks due to the drug’s systemic action. It’s dose-dependent and may be managed by adjusting the dose or combining with other medications.

Can minoxidil regrow hair in bald spots?

Dr. Om says minoxidil can help regrow hair in areas with miniaturized follicles but is less effective in completely bald spots where follicles are gone. Early use offers the best chance of success, but results vary based on the degree and duration of hair loss.

Can minoxidil turn grey hair black?

Dr. Om says that minoxidil doesn’t reverse greying or restore pigment in hair, however new growth might sometimes appear with a different color or texture, but it should not be seen as a treatment for grey hair.

Can minoxidil regrow a receding hairline?

According to Dr. Om, minoxidil can help with a receding hairline in many cases, especially if started early, but results vary depending on the type of hair loss a patient has and from individual to individual. 

How to stop minoxidil without losing hair?

Unfortunately, according to Dr. Om, if you stop taking/using minoxidil, most gains will be lost over time unless you continue some other form of treatment to support hair growth.

References:
1https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32516434/
2https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32516434/
3https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499948/
4https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/19/3/691#:~:text=It%20has%20been%20reported%20that,cells%20%5B13%2C15%5D
5https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6691938/
6https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190962221004187
7https://www.aad.org/dw/dw-insights-and-inquiries/archive/2022/low-dose-oral-minoxidil-alopecia
8https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7649170/
9https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/?drugLabelId=Minoxidil-minoxidil-774
10https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/minoxidil-oral-route/precautions/drg-20068757
11https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190962221004187

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