Finding a Doctor Who Prescribes Minoxidil

Whether you're looking for oral Minoxidil for hair loss or resistant hypertension, your first step is finding the right doctor. Not every provider is familiar with prescribing oral Minoxidil — especially at the low doses used off-label for hair regrowth — so knowing where to look can save you time and frustration.

This guide walks you through the types of doctors who prescribe Minoxidil, how to find one near you, and what to expect at your first appointment.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Minoxidil?

Several medical specialties can prescribe Minoxidil, depending on why you need it:

• Dermatologists — The most common prescribers for hair loss. Dermatologists are well-versed in low-dose oral Minoxidil (LDOM) for androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and other hair loss conditions.
• Cardiologists — For patients with severe, resistant hypertension who haven't responded to other blood pressure medications.
• Primary care physicians (internists and family medicine) — Many primary care doctors can prescribe Minoxidil, though some may refer you to a specialist for off-label hair loss use.
• Nephrologists — For patients with kidney-related hypertension who need additional blood pressure control.

If your main concern is hair loss, a dermatologist is usually your best bet. They'll be most familiar with the dosing protocols (typically 0.625 mg to 5 mg daily) and the monitoring requirements.

How to Find a Provider Near You

1. Use Your Insurance Directory

Start with your health insurance company's online provider directory. Search for dermatologists or cardiologists (depending on your need) who are in-network. This ensures you'll pay the lowest out-of-pocket cost for your visit.

Most insurance websites let you filter by specialty, location, and whether the provider is accepting new patients.

2. Search on Zocdoc or Healthgrades

Platforms like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, and Vitals let you search for doctors by specialty and location. You can often see patient reviews, insurance acceptance, and available appointment times. Try searching for "dermatologist" or "hair loss specialist" in your area.

3. Ask for a Referral

If you already have a primary care doctor, ask for a referral to a dermatologist who has experience with oral Minoxidil for hair loss. Your PCP may also be willing to prescribe it directly, especially if you've already tried topical Minoxidil (Rogaine) without success.

4. Consider Telehealth

Telehealth has made it much easier to get a Minoxidil prescription, particularly for hair loss. Several online dermatology platforms offer virtual consultations where a board-certified dermatologist can evaluate your hair loss and prescribe low-dose oral Minoxidil if appropriate.

Telehealth visits are often faster, cheaper, and don't require taking time off work. Just make sure you choose a platform staffed by licensed dermatologists — not just nurse practitioners — if you want a specialist opinion.

5. Check with Your Pharmacy

Pharmacists often know which local providers are prescribing specific medications. If you're already in touch with a pharmacist about finding Minoxidil in stock, ask if they can recommend a prescriber.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Here's what a typical first visit for a Minoxidil prescription looks like:

• Medical history review — Your doctor will ask about your overall health, current medications, and any heart-related conditions. This is important because Minoxidil has cardiovascular side effects that need to be considered.
• Physical exam — For hair loss, your dermatologist will examine your scalp and may take photos to track progress. For hypertension, expect blood pressure readings and possibly an ECG.
• Discussion of treatment options — Your doctor may discuss alternatives like Finasteride, Dutasteride, or Spironolactone alongside Minoxidil.
• Lab work — Some doctors order baseline blood work before starting oral Minoxidil, including a complete blood count, metabolic panel, and sometimes an echocardiogram for higher doses.
• Prescription — If appropriate, your doctor will write a prescription. For hair loss, the typical starting dose is 0.625 mg to 2.5 mg once daily. For hypertension, the initial dose is usually 5 mg once daily.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once you have your Minoxidil prescription, you'll need to get it filled. Here are some tips:

• Be aware of availability — Oral Minoxidil tablets, particularly the 2.5 mg strength, have experienced intermittent shortages since 2023 due to surging off-label demand for hair loss. Use Medfinder to check pharmacy stock near you.
• Compare prices — Generic Minoxidil is affordable, typically $4 to $15 per month with a discount card. Check our savings guide for coupons and patient assistance programs.
• Schedule follow-ups — Your doctor will likely want to see you in 1 to 3 months after starting Minoxidil to check for side effects like fluid retention, changes in heart rate, or unwanted hair growth.
• Be patient with results — If you're taking Minoxidil for hair loss, it typically takes 3 to 6 months to see noticeable improvement. Don't stop early.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right doctor to prescribe Minoxidil doesn't have to be complicated. Dermatologists are your go-to for hair loss, while cardiologists and primary care physicians handle the hypertension side. Telehealth options have made access easier than ever, and the medication itself is inexpensive once you have your prescription.

If you're ready to start your search, Medfinder can help you find pharmacies that have Minoxidil in stock near you — so once you have your prescription in hand, you'll know exactly where to fill it.