Comprehensive medication guide to Minoxidil including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$15 copay; Tier 1–2 generic, typically no prior authorization required for hypertension indication.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$10–$50 retail for a 30-day supply of oral tablets; as low as $4–$15 with GoodRx or SingleCare coupons.
Medfinder Findability Score
55/100
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Minoxidil is a direct-acting peripheral vasodilator and potassium channel opener. In its oral form, it is FDA-approved for the treatment of severe refractory hypertension — specifically for patients who have not responded adequately to maximum doses of a diuretic and two other antihypertensive medications. In its topical form (marketed as Rogaine and generic equivalents), it is FDA-approved for androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss). Increasingly, low-dose oral Minoxidil (0.625–5 mg daily) is prescribed off-label by dermatologists for hair loss conditions including male and female pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and as an adjunct to hair transplant therapy.
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Minoxidil works by opening adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells. This causes vasodilation — the widening of blood vessels — which reduces peripheral vascular resistance and lowers blood pressure. The active metabolite, Minoxidil sulfate, is formed by sulfotransferase enzymes in the body. For hair growth, Minoxidil increases blood flow to hair follicles, shortens the telogen (resting) phase of the hair cycle, and prolongs the anagen (growth) phase, resulting in thicker, longer hair over time.
Oral tablet 2.5 mg — tablet
commonly used for low-dose hair loss treatment and as a starting dose for hypertension
Oral tablet 10 mg — tablet
used for hypertension management at higher doses
Topical solution 2% — topical
OTC for androgenetic alopecia (typically marketed for women)
Topical solution 5% — topical
OTC for androgenetic alopecia (typically marketed for men)
Topical foam 5% — topical
OTC for androgenetic alopecia, once-daily application
Minoxidil oral tablets have experienced intermittent shortages since 2023, primarily driven by a surge in off-label prescribing for hair loss (low-dose oral Minoxidil). The 2.5 mg tablet strength — the most commonly prescribed dose for hair loss — has been particularly difficult to find, with Teva reporting back orders and limited availability from other manufacturers like Sun Pharma and Par Pharmaceutical. The topical formulations (Rogaine and generics) remain widely available over the counter. If you're looking for oral Minoxidil tablets, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies with current stock in your area.
Oral Minoxidil can be prescribed by several types of healthcare providers:
Telehealth consultations are also available for Minoxidil prescriptions, particularly for hair loss. Note that topical Minoxidil (Rogaine and generics) is available over the counter and does not require a prescription.
No, Minoxidil is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It does not have abuse potential. Oral Minoxidil requires a prescription, while topical formulations are available over the counter.
Serious side effects include pericardial effusion (occurring in about 3% of patients on hypertensive doses), which can progress to cardiac tamponade, as well as angina exacerbation and congestive heart failure. Oral Minoxidil carries a boxed warning regarding these cardiovascular risks.
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Finasteride
a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor taken orally for male pattern hair loss; often used alongside Minoxidil for enhanced results
Dutasteride
another 5-alpha reductase inhibitor used off-label for hair loss, generally considered more potent than Finasteride
Spironolactone
an aldosterone antagonist used off-label for female pattern hair loss due to its anti-androgen properties
Hydralazine
another direct vasodilator for resistant hypertension, with a different mechanism of action (does not open potassium channels)
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Guanethidine
moderatecan cause profound orthostatic hypotension; must discontinue Guanethidine 1–3 weeks before starting Minoxidil
Other antihypertensives
moderateadditive blood pressure–lowering effects; monitor closely
NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
moderatemay reduce the antihypertensive effect of Minoxidil and may interfere with hair growth promotion
Beta-blockers
moderateintentionally co-prescribed for hypertension use but monitor for excessive bradycardia
Alcohol
moderatecan increase the blood pressure–lowering effect and cause dizziness or fainting
Minoxidil remains one of the most effective and affordable treatments for hair loss, whether used topically or in its increasingly popular low-dose oral form. While the topical formulations are widely available over the counter, oral Minoxidil tablets — especially the 2.5 mg strength — have experienced intermittent shortages since 2023 due to surging demand from off-label hair loss prescribing. If you're having trouble finding oral Minoxidil at your local pharmacy, Medfinder can help you search for pharmacies with current stock near you. With generic prices as low as $4–$15 using discount cards, Minoxidil is one of the more budget-friendly prescription medications available — when you can find it in stock.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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