What does oral minoxidil treat?

This medicine works throughout the body and may help extend the active growth phase of some hair follicles. Dermatologists may consider it when thinning is diffuse, when topical treatment is difficult to use, or when a tailored plan is needed. It does not identify the reason for shedding by itself, and sudden loss can have other causes.

A clinician may check the pattern of loss, scalp health, medicines, blood pressure, and other health factors before recommending it. You can read about [Male Pattern Hair Loss](/conditions/androgenetic-alopecia/) and [Female Pattern Hair Loss](/conditions/female-pattern-hair-loss/) for the conditions it may address.

Do not start tablets using someone else’s prescription. Your clinician chooses the dose and follow-up plan, then reviews unwanted effects such as ankle swelling, dizziness, headache, faster heartbeat, or increased hair growth in unwanted areas. Tell them about heart, kidney, or blood-pressure conditions and every medicine you take.

Take it exactly as prescribed and keep follow-up appointments. Ask whether [Minoxidil](/materials/minoxidil/) or [Topical Minoxidil](/treatments/hair-restoration/topical-minoxidil/) is more suitable for your situation.

Seek urgent medical help for chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or a new rapid or irregular heartbeat after taking oral minoxidil. Contact your prescriber promptly for troublesome swelling, persistent dizziness, or a sudden change in shedding.

Ask what type of hair loss you have, why oral treatment is being considered, how blood pressure and symptoms will be monitored, and what alternatives are appropriate.