What Is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is a prescription vasodilator medication used to treat severe, resistant high blood pressure and, at low doses, hair loss.

Originally approved by the FDA under the brand name Loniten for hypertension, Minoxidil is now most commonly known for its role in treating hair loss. The topical version (brand name Rogaine) is available over the counter, while oral Minoxidil tablets remain prescription-only. Today, generic Minoxidil is manufactured by Teva, Sun Pharma, Par Pharmaceutical, and others.

Minoxidil belongs to the drug class of direct-acting peripheral vasodilators. It works by opening potassium channels in blood vessel walls, which relaxes the vessels and lowers blood pressure. It is not a controlled substance.

What Is Minoxidil Used For?

FDA-Approved Uses

• Severe refractory hypertension (oral tablets) — Minoxidil is reserved for patients whose blood pressure cannot be controlled with maximum doses of a diuretic and two other blood pressure medications. It is a last-line treatment, not a first choice.
• Androgenetic alopecia (topical formulations) — Topical Minoxidil (Rogaine) is FDA-approved for treating male and female pattern hair loss.

Off-Label Uses

Low-dose oral Minoxidil (LDOM) has become one of the most talked-about treatments in dermatology for:

• Male and female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)
• Alopecia areata
• Chemotherapy-induced hair loss
• Telogen effluvium
• Scarring alopecia
• Hair transplant adjunct therapy

The surge in off-label prescribing for hair loss has contributed to intermittent shortages of the oral tablets.

How Is Minoxidil Taken?

Minoxidil comes in several forms:

• Oral tablets — 2.5 mg and 10 mg strengths. Taken once or twice daily by mouth, with or without food.
• Topical solution — 2% and 5% concentrations. Applied to the dry scalp twice daily.
• Topical foam — 5% concentration. Applied once daily (half a capful).

Dosage for Hypertension

The typical starting dose is 5 mg once daily, which may be increased to 10 to 40 mg per day in one or two divided doses. The maximum dose is 100 mg per day. Oral Minoxidil for hypertension must always be taken alongside a beta-blocker (to prevent rapid heart rate) and a diuretic (to prevent fluid retention).

Dosage for Hair Loss (Off-Label)

Low-dose oral Minoxidil for hair loss typically ranges from 0.625 mg to 5 mg daily. Many dermatologists start women at 0.625 mg to 1.25 mg and men at 2.5 mg daily.

Who Should Not Take Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is not safe for everyone. You should not take it if you have:

• Pheochromocytoma — A rare adrenal gland tumor. Minoxidil's blood-pressure-lowering effect could trigger dangerous catecholamine release.
• Allergy to Minoxidil — Hypersensitivity to Minoxidil or any inactive ingredients in the formulation.
• Recent heart attack — Acute myocardial infarction is a contraindication.
• Dissecting aortic aneurysm — A tear in the aorta wall.

Minoxidil also carries a boxed warning about serious cardiovascular risks including pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart). For more on safety, read our guide to Minoxidil side effects.

Special caution is needed for pregnant or breastfeeding women (Pregnancy Category C; excreted in breast milk), elderly patients (higher risk of low blood pressure), patients with kidney disease (may need dose adjustments), and children under 12 (safety not established).

How Much Does Minoxidil Cost?

The good news: generic Minoxidil is one of the more affordable prescription medications available.

• Without insurance or coupons — Approximately $23 to $28 for 100 tablets of 10 mg, or about $27 for 30 tablets of 2.5 mg.
• With discount cards — As low as $4 to $15 for a 30-day supply using GoodRx, SingleCare, or RxSaver coupons.
• With insurance — Generally covered as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 generic with no prior authorization for hypertension. Off-label use for hair loss may not be covered.
• Online pharmacies — Cost Plus Drugs and other online pharmacies offer competitive pricing on generic Minoxidil.

For a full breakdown of how to save, see our Minoxidil savings guide.

Final Thoughts

Minoxidil is a versatile medication with a long track record for treating both resistant hypertension and hair loss. Whether you're exploring it for thinning hair or managing blood pressure that other medications can't control, understanding what it is, how to take it, and what to watch for will help you use it safely and effectively.

If you're ready to get started, find a doctor who prescribes Minoxidil and use Medfinder to locate a pharmacy that has it in stock near you.