Effectiveness
Minoxidil helps with androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness). It may take 3-6 months to see results, and continuous use is necessary to maintain hair growth. Oral minoxidil may be more effective than topical minoxidil for some.
Usage
Liquid: Apply 1 mL of liquid minoxidil twice daily (morning and night) directly to the scalp.
Foam: Apply twice daily to dry scalp (morning and night). Easier application and quick drying.
Pill: Take once daily (Off-label use as it is not yet FDA-approved).
Foam and liquid are available in 2% and 5%. More potent, typically for men. May have more side effects.
Cost
Generic (liquid/foam): $10–$25 per month.
Brand Name (Rogaine): $30–$50 per month.
Subscription Services: $15–$30 monthly, often includes consultations.
Oral Minoxidil: $28 – $66 per month. Depends on dosage, brand vs. generic, source (online vs. in-person), and whether insurance covers it.
***The cost of any medication often depends on the pharmacy, location, discounts, or insurance coverage.
Potential Side Effects
Common Side Effects:
Minoxidil in all forms can cause (Hypertrichosis) hair to grow in unintended areas.
Topical minoxidil may cause dryness, itching, or flaking of the scalp.
Oral minoxidil can cause (1) Edema: Swelling in the legs, feet, or hands due to increased water retention; (2) Hypotension: Low blood pressure resulting in dizziness, fainting, or fatigue; (3) Tachycardia: Heart palpitations from an increased heart rate or irregular heartbeat; (4) Headaches: May occur as the body adjusts to blood pressure changes.
Rare, but Serious, Side Effects:
Oral minoxidil may cause (1) Chest pain: May indicate cardiovascular stress; (2) Shortness of breath: Can be due to fluid retention affecting the lungs; (3) Weight gain: Often linked to fluid retention: (4) Swelling around the eyes and face: Due to excessive water retention.
Oral minoxidil may cause (1) Pericardial effusion: Fluid buildup around the heart; (2) Heart failure worsening: In those with preexisting heart conditions; (3) Severe hypotension: Extremely low blood pressure leading to shock.
Effectiveness
Minoxidil helps with androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness). It may take 3-6 months to see results, and continuous use is necessary to maintain hair growth. Oral minoxidil may be more effective than topical minoxidil for some.
Usage
Liquid: Apply 1 mL of liquid minoxidil twice daily (morning and night) directly to the scalp.
Foam: Apply twice daily to dry scalp (morning and night). Easier application and quick drying.
Pill: Take once daily (Off-label use as it is not yet FDA-approved).
Foam and liquid are available in 2% and 5%. More potent, typically for men. May have more side effects.
Cost
Generic (liquid/foam): $10–$25 per month.
Brand Name (Rogaine): $30–$50 per month.
Subscription Services: $15–$30 monthly, often includes consultations.
Oral Minoxidil: $28 – $66 per month. Depends on dosage, brand vs. generic, source (online vs. in-person), and whether insurance covers it.
***The cost of any medication often depends on the pharmacy, location, discounts, or insurance coverage.
Potential Side Effects
Common Side Effects:
Minoxidil in all forms can cause (Hypertrichosis) hair to grow in unintended areas.
Topical minoxidil may cause dryness, itching, or flaking of the scalp.
Oral minoxidil can cause (1) Edema: Swelling in the legs, feet, or hands due to increased water retention; (2) Hypotension: Low blood pressure resulting in dizziness, fainting, or fatigue; (3) Tachycardia: Heart palpitations from an increased heart rate or irregular heartbeat; (4) Headaches: May occur as the body adjusts to blood pressure changes.
Rare, but Serious, Side Effects:
Oral minoxidil may cause (1) Chest pain: May indicate cardiovascular stress; (2) Shortness of breath: Can be due to fluid retention affecting the lungs; (3) Weight gain: Often linked to fluid retention: (4) Swelling around the eyes and face: Due to excessive water retention.
Oral minoxidil may cause (1) Pericardial effusion: Fluid buildup around the heart; (2) Heart failure worsening: In those with preexisting heart conditions; (3) Severe hypotension: Extremely low blood pressure leading to shock.