PlushCare / Online Doctor / Online Prescriptions / Minoxidil
If you’re suffering from hair loss, minoxidil can help. Minoxidil slows hair loss and can even be successful in regrowing hair. In addition to topical minoxidil (Rogaine), oral minoxidil is available by prescription. Speak to a PlushCare doctor today to discuss a prescription for oral minoxidil.
Medication services available 24/7
Top quality, board-certified doctors
No insurance needed
Same-day prescriptions available*
*prescriptions provided at doctor’s discretion
Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less. Otherwise, new patient visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $69 for members.
Step 1
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
We can send prescriptions to any pharmacy.
Step 1
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
We can send prescriptions to any pharmacy.
How pricing works
To get a new or refill prescription for Minoxidil, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
$14.99/month
First month free
Copay
For all visits
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
$14.99/month
First month free
$129
Repeats only $69
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $69 for active members.
Minoxidil is a prescription drug only available in a generic form. As a vasodilator, minoxidil increases blood flow around the hair follicles to stimulate hair growth and treat hypertension.
Oral minoxidil is mainly prescribed for male and female pattern hair loss. However, it can also help treat hair loss from other conditions, including alopecia areata and telogen effluvium. Topical minoxidil solution is the generic form of Rogaine.
Minoxidil may be taken as part of combination therapy. It can be used with other drugs used to treat high blood pressure, or drugs used to reduce the side effects of minoxidil. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions when taking your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.
There are several FDA-approved uses for minoxidil. In some cases, your PlushCare doctor may prescribe minoxidil off-label to treat certain health conditions. Your online doctor may also prescribe minoxidil for other conditions that aren't listed below. If you have any questions about your medications, talk to your online doctor or pharmacist to learn more.
Both oral minoxidil and topical minoxidil are effective treatments for hair loss. However, there are some circumstances where minoxidil should only be taken as an oral prescription to treat hair concerns.
While oral minoxidil has not been FDA-approved for hair loss treatment, low-dose oral minoxidil is extremely effective in promoting hair growth. Low-dose oral minoxidil can help treat hair loss from several conditions, including androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and traction alopecia.
Oral minoxidil is currently FDA-approved to treat hypertension. Hypertension adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. Over time, this can disrupt normal brain, heart, and kidney function.
As an antihypertensive drug, oral minoxidil works by relaxing blood vessels. Oral minoxidil enables blood to pass through blood vessels more easily, which helps lower blood pressure.
The side effects associated with taking minoxidil are typically mild. Most minoxidil side effects are associated with scalp irritation, dryness, and itching. Oral minoxidil doesn't cause drowsiness, but it has some common side effects. They may include:
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. Tell your doctor if you're currently pregnant or breastfeeding, as minoxidil can have serious negative effects.
After prescribing minoxidil, your online doctor will provide instructions for taking your pills orally. Be sure to read the prescription label and follow all instructions. Your care team can help answer any questions you may have about your prescription.
Minoxidil is available in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. For treating hair loss, the typical starting dose of oral minoxidil is 2.5 mg taken once per day in men or 1.25mg daily in women.
Topical minoxidil is available as a liquid or foam solution and can be applied directly to the scalp. Topical minoxidil solution is designed for use twice a day. Your doctor may recommend applying minoxidil once in the morning and once in the evening, typically a few hours before bed.
Although topical minoxidil can reduce hair loss, it doesn’t cure baldness. To maintain your new hair growth, it’s important to continue using topical minoxidil as directed.
Minoxidil has a few drug interactions. They include drugs for high blood pressure and drugs that interact with alcohol. Don’t change what you’re currently taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
Talk to your doctor if you’re taking any other medications to lower blood pressure, such as guanethidine. Minoxidil can cause very low blood pressure when taken with other hypertension drugs.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it’s acceptable to consume alcohol while taking oral minoxidil. Combined with oral minoxidil, regular alcohol consumption may significantly decrease blood pressure, leading to adverse effects.
If your healthcare professional prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another hair loss treatment or prescribe a different vasodilator. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
The cost for oral minoxidil 10 mg is around $61 for a supply of 100 tablets depending on the pharmacy you visit. Oral minoxidil may be covered by your insurance depending on your plan.
You can refill your minoxidil prescription by booking a virtual appointment with a board-certified PlushCare doctor. If your doctor determines that minoxidil is right for you, they can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy.
You should not take minoxidil if:
– You’re currently pregnant or breastfeeding
– You’re taking other hypertension drugs
– You have an adrenal medulla tumor (pheochromocytoma)
– You’ve had an allergic reaction to minoxidil
Missing doses of minoxidil (both topical and oral) can affect hair growth. Do not increase your medication to make up for missed doses.
When used excessively, minoxidil can cause adverse effects. You may experience flushing of the face, chest pain, headaches, and lightheadedness. Talk to your doctor if you’ve accidentally exceeded your daily minoxidil dose.
Yes, minoxidil can promote hair regrowth. Minoxidil works by shortening the telogen phase (resting phase) of the hair growth cycle and moving your hairs into the anagen phase (active growth phase).
If you suffer from hair disorders such as androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, or female/male pattern baldness, consider talking to your doctor about minoxidil.
Although minoxidil is safe and effective for most people, you may experience side effects. Common side effects of minoxidil include:
– Nausea and vomiting
– Changes in facial and body hair (i.e., thicker hair)
– Unwanted hair growth
– Skin rashes and scalp irritation around the application site (when using topical minoxidil)
Many people notice results from minoxidil within two months of use. In general, it takes eight weeks of consistent use for topical minoxidil to grow hair. After four months of use, you should notice less hair loss and start seeing hair growth.
No, hair growth from minoxidil is not permanent, and you will need to continue taking the medication to continue seeing results.
