Oral Minoxidil vs topical: What's the difference?

Oral Minoxidil and topical Minoxidil are used differently. They help with hair loss in men (both) and women (topical only).

The difference? Topical Minoxidil (also available as Regaine) goes on your scalp. It helps with common types of hair loss. You can get it without a doctor's note in the UK.

Oral Minoxidil is used to treat high blood pressure but is also used “off-label” for hair loss and is only available via a doctor's prescription.

Let’s explore the further differences between oral and topical Minoxidil.

Key takeaways:

• Minoxidil comes in two forms and works differently: pills you swallow and liquid you put on your scalp.
• Minoxidil tablets might work for people who find the topical version doesn’t work well for them.
• Both Minoxidil pills and liquid are available from Oxford Online Pharmacy.

Oral Minoxidil vs topical at a glance

Oral vs Topical Minoxidil: What’s the Difference?

The key difference lies in how you take or use the medications. Oral Minoxidil is a tablet that is swallowed once daily. Topical Minoxidil is applied to the scalp once or twice a day.

Oral Minoxidil tablets are taken by mouth and are only available via doctor’s prescription. They can work for people who have previously found topical treatments ineffective.

This is because the enzyme (Sulfotransferase) responsible for breaking down Minoxidil into its active ingredient (Minoxidil Sulphate) is not found in high concentrations in the scalp.

It is present and readily available in the liver, where the body breaks down Minoxidil tablets.

Topical Minoxidil solutions and foams are applied to the scalp. These rub-on treatments are licensed for hair thickening and treating pattern baldness. In the UK, they are easy to access without a medical prescription.

Oral Minoxidil vs topical: Application method

Oral Minoxidil

Oral Minoxidil tablets stimulate hair growth by widening blood vessels. Studies have shown that about a third of men taking Minoxidil tablets will experience reduced shedding, and another third will experience improved growth by around six months of treatment.

Please note that you should expect to experience increased shedding for up to the first 6 weeks of treatment.

Men also report that their hair strands are stronger, thicker and deeper coloured when using Minoxidil tablets.

Topical Minoxidil

Minoxidil comes as a liquid or foam to put on your scalp. It helps grow hair back for both men and women.

You use it right where your hair is thinning or gone. Just move the hair aside and apply it with the dropper or foam top. You need to rub it in well, all the way to the roots.

It works by getting more blood to your hair roots. Use it two times a day, in the morning and at night. In the UK, you can get Minoxidil in 2% or 5% strength without a doctor. But stronger versions need a doctor to say it's okay. If you follow the directions, it's safe to use.

Oral Minoxidil vs topical: Efficacy and results

Oral Minoxidil

Does it work? Yes, it does. Minoxidil is a proven and successful treatment for hair loss which has been used for decades.

Minoxidil requires consistent use for approximately 4-6 months before you notice hair growth. Also, when starting Minoxidil treatment, it is normal to experience increased hair shedding, typically within the first six weeks of use.

Topical Minoxidil

Does it work? Studies prove regular application treats pattern baldness for both men and women. This medication is approved in the UK for hair growth.

It takes Minoxidil 8-12 weeks to work. Users typically notice significant results after 3-6 months of consistent use. Want the best results? Experts recommend a daily application for a full 6-12 months to regrow hair. Track progress with timeline photos to determine efficiency.

Oral Minoxidil vs topical: Side effects and safety

Oral Minoxidil

Minoxidil is generally well tolerated, and most people experience no side effects. Therefore, it is unlikely that a person will experience any side effects at the low doses we use to treat hair loss.

Any side effects experienced are often mild and will reverse quickly when treatment is stopped.

In a study of 400+ men, only 0.5% had to stop treatment due to a side effect.

Topical Minoxidil

Rubbing liquid Minoxidil or styling foam onto the scalp skin allows for targeting hair loss. You can still experience some side effects. Common complaints involve scalp itching (in less than 14% of patients) and facial hair growth (around 12%).

Users should apply it strictly according to package directions. Apply it twice per day, not exceeding 1 ml of 5% solution or 1 capful of foam. Studies show that people generally accept topical Minoxidil well as a treatment for thinning hair.

Take the next step with Oxford Online Pharmacy

Oxford Online Pharmacy offers quick access to over-the-counter hair loss treatments like topical Minoxidil and requests for prescription-only treatments like oral Minoxidil via an online consultation.

Fill in the medical consultation and select your preferred treatment. The online doctors review your answers and prescribe the treatment if appropriate. If we need more information or think you’d benefit from a different treatment better, we’ll get in touch using our confidential message centre.

Take the next step by contacting Oxford Online Pharmacy to ask any questions. Get started with remote assessments today. Address your hair loss through safe, proven treatment of hair loss conveniently delivered to your door.

FAQs

Does oral Minoxidil cause more body hair?

Yes. Some patients report unwanted excessive hair growth. It may occur as tablets stimulate follicles everywhere. Topical solution or foam application is localised. Topical formulas do not prompt excess hair growth when used as directed.

Sources:

1. Hassiel Aurelio Ramírez-Marín and Antonella Tosti (2022). Role of Oral Minoxidil in Patterned Hair Loss
2. Ratchathorn Panchaprateep and Suparuj Lueangarun (2020). Efficacy and Safety of Oral Minoxidil 5 mg Once Daily in the Treatment of Male Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: An Open-Label and Global Photographic Assessment
3. Zari Shadi (2023). Compliance to Topical Minoxidil and Reasons for Discontinuation among Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia