Topical vs. Oral Minoxidil: Which One is Right for You?

Topical vs. Oral Minoxidil: Which One is Right for You?

Table of Contents

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I. What is Minoxidil and How Does it Work?

II. Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss

III. Topical Minoxidil for Hair Loss

IV. Oral Minoxidil vs. Topical Minoxidil for Hair Loss

V. Conclusion

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For years, topical minoxidil has been the go-to over-the-counter treatment for people struggling with hair loss. However, doctors are now increasingly prescribing oral minoxidil as an off-label treatment. So, which one should you choose—oral or topical minoxidil?

In this article, we’ll discuss minoxidil, the different formulations available, and whether the oral or topical version is better for hair loss.

What is Minoxidil and How Does it Work?

Originally developed as an oral medication for hypertension, researchers discovered that minoxidil had a surprising side effect: excessive hair growth. In fact, 60 to 80% of patients who took it experienced this effect. ¹ This led to the development of topical minoxidil, which is now approved by the FDA to treat hair loss in both men and women. ²

The exact mechanisms behind minoxidil's hair-boosting abilities remain a bit of a mystery. What we do know is that it:

• Increases blood flow around hair follicles
• Stimulates hair follicles to move to the growth phase
• Prolongs the time hair follicles spend in the growth phase ³

Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss

Oral minoxidil is currently only FDA-approved for treating high blood pressure. ⁴ However, in recent years, doctors are increasingly prescribing this medication off-label to combat hair loss. ⁵

While topical minoxidil remains the first-line treatment for androgenic alopecia, ⁵ oral minoxidil offers some potential advantages for certain patients:

• Some individuals find taking a tablet more convenient than applying a topical solution
• Oral minoxidil does not leave residue on the scalp ⁶

How to Use Oral Minoxidil

When prescribed for hair loss, oral minoxidil is typically taken at low doses ranging from 0.25 mg to 2.5 mg. The minoxidil tablet is taken twice daily, with or without food. ⁷

Oral Minoxidil Side Effects

Oral minoxidil, when prescribed in small doses for hair loss treatment, has a low risk of side effects for most people. ⁵ However, some individuals may experience side effects such as:

• Swelling in your feet and lower legs
• Fast heartbeat
• Excessive hair growth on the upper lip, sideburns, forehead, and forearms ⁵

Topical Minoxidil for Hair Loss

After seeing the success of oral minoxidil in stimulating hair growth, researchers developed a topical form of the drug specifically to treat androgenic alopecia in both men and women. Topical minoxidil comes in many different concentrations, with the dose of minoxidil increasing as the percentage goes up. ⁸

Typically, higher concentrations lead to more hair growth. However, they also carry a greater risk of side effects. ⁸ In a clinical study comparing 2% minoxidil to 5% minoxidil, researchers found that:

• Minoxidil 5% produced 45% more hair growth than minoxidil 2%
• Minoxidil 5% caused more side effects than minoxidil 2% ⁸

It's important to find the right concentration of topical minoxidil that works for you without triggering any intolerable side effects. This will allow you to continue using minoxidil long-term and get the most out of it.

How to Use Topical Minoxidil

The minoxidil treatment from ScriptsMD comes in an easy-to-use dropper bottle. To apply minoxidil, follow these steps:

1. Begin with clean and dry hair.
2. Fill the dropper with the prescribed dosage of minoxidil.
3. Part your hair in the areas of thinning.
4. Tilt your head back slightly so the solution doesn't drip excessively down your forehead or near your eyes.
5. Use the dropper to apply minoxidil to the scalp
6. Massage the solution into your scalp.
7. Allow the solution to dry. ⁹

Topical Minoxidil Side Effects

While minoxidil is generally safe and effective for treating hair loss, it can cause some side effects in certain people. The higher the concentration of minoxidil, the more likely side effects will occur. ⁸

Some common side effects of minoxidil include:

• Dermatitis
• Headaches
• Excessive hair growth on the body
• Temporary hair loss ¹⁰

Oral Minoxidil vs. Topical Minoxidil for Hair Loss

So, should you take minoxidil tablets or use the topical solution? Let's look at the evidence on oral versus topical minoxidil for treating hair loss.

Only a handful of studies have directly compared oral and topical minoxidil. One 24-week study gave 1 mg oral minoxidil daily to women with hair loss, while another group used a 5% topical minoxidil solution. Both groups saw improvements in hair density and shedding reduction. However, the oral minoxidil group edged out the topical group by a slim margin. Unfortunately, we can't assume these results would extend to men since this study only enrolled women. ¹¹

So, which is the better option? It really comes down to patient preference. Those who dislike the greasy hair and hassle of topical applications may prefer the convenience of a once-daily pill. However, patients with minimal hair loss who don't mind applying a topical may find that route simpler.

Conclusion

When deciding between oral and topical forms of minoxidil, consider your needs and preferences. Discuss potential side effects and lifestyle compatibility openly with your healthcare provider or assigned ScriptsMD practitioner.

Regardless of the type of minoxidil you choose, the most critical factor is consistency. Sticking to daily treatment is essential to get the best possible outcome. Minoxidil is effective but requires diligent use over an extended period to realize its full potential.