Minoxidil is a prescription medication that is used in a low dose to treat hair loss. Initially developed as an oral treatment for hypertension, minoxidil's unintended side effect of promoting excessive hair growth, called hypertrichosis, led to the development of a topical form for stimulating hair regrowth.
By causing the relaxation of muscle cells, minoxidil widens small arteries (blood vessels) and increases blood flow to the area. This mechanism not only helps lower blood pressure but also stimulates hair growth.
Currently, the primary treatments for androgenetic alopecia that is available are medicines called minoxidil and finasteride. Despite being widely used, the precise mechanism by which minoxidil works is still not entirely understood.
Increased demand for minoxidil
Minoxidil use has progressively increased over the years, with more doctors prescribing medication off-label. Access to healthcare, education, and income levels likely contribute to the rise in low-dose oral minoxidil prescriptions.
Due to the increased demand for hair loss treatments, we are constantly adding more products for you in this instance minoxidil. In this article, we will look at the different minoxidil treatment options available so you can decide which is best for you.
We provide a varied range of hair loss products, available in the following forms: tablets, capsules, foam, and solutions. You can find below our full range of minoxidil products:
Available minoxidil products
- Minoxidil (Loniten) 2.5mg 60 tablets for hair loss - £49.99
- Minoxidil 2.5mg 60 tablets for hair loss - £44.99
- Minoxidil 2.5mg 90 capsules for hair loss (unlicensed) - £64.99
- Regaine For Men Extra Strength Foam 73ml - from £34.80
- Regaine For Men Extra Strength Solution 60ml - from £33.60
- Minoxidil 5% Solution for hair loss (generic Regaine) 60ml - from £21.94
- Finasteride 1mg 84 tabs Regaine Sol 5% 3x60ml + 250ml Alpecin Shampoo - £89.99 (saving £11.99)
Women’s minoxidil products
- Regaine For WOMEN Regular Strength 2% Minoxidil solution 60ml - £27.99
- Regaine for WOMEN Scalp Foam Extra Strength 73ml - £37.33
- Regaine For Women 60ml and Florisene 90 tablets - £40.00 (saving £7.27)
*These prices are as of 12.07.23 and are subject to change.
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Start ConsultationTopical minoxidil vs oral minoxidil
| Oral minoxidil | Topical minoxidil |
| Taken by mouth | Applied onto the scalp |
| Hair growth all over the body (where hair normally grows) | Only localised hair growth to where the treatment was applied |
| Prescription-only medicine | Can be purchased as an over counter/ Pharmacy medicine |
| Absorbed into the bloodstream | Absorbed locally |
| Systemic side effects | Mild local side effects |
What are the advantages of topical minoxidil?
Advantages of using topical minoxidil (Regaine):
Topical minoxidil is used to stimulate hair growth and slow down the progression of androgenic alopecia, specifically among individuals below 40 years old who have recently experienced hair loss.
Here are some of the benefits associated with topical minoxidil:
- Stimulates hair growth and reduces hair loss.
- Convenient application at home
- Generally safe and well tolerated by most individuals.
- Suitable for use by both men and women aged 18 and above.
- Relatively affordable
- Available in both over-the-counter and prescription strengths, depending on the concentration of the product.
What are the advantages of oral minoxidil?
Advantages of using low-dose oral minoxidil (Loniten) for hair loss:
Low-dose oral minoxidil can be a viable option for individuals who have not achieved satisfactory results with other hair loss treatments.
Here are some of the benefits associated with low-dose oral minoxidil:
- Promotes hair growth.
- Slows down hair loss in individuals with androgenetic alopecia, preserving hair density and enhancing overall hair appearance.
- Available for men.
- Minoxidil tablets require a prescription and should only be used under medical supervision.
Is oral minoxidil better than topical?
One isn’t necessarily better than the other, it comes down to your personal preferences and which will work best for you. While some may find the daily application of topical minoxidil a bit inconvenient as opposed to the once-daily tablet, others may get on getting on with oral medicines and opt for a topical solution.
With all oral medicines, there is a risk of side effects as is there with drug interactions, it’s always important to check with a healthcare professional before you start taking any medication. If you experience systematic side effects with tablets or capsules, you may choose to try the topical minoxidil to avoid these. Although there is still a chance you can experience side effects when using any medicine, regardless of the form.
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Start ConsultationWhat are the side effects of minoxidil?
You can find a list of some of the most common side effects of minoxidil listed below:
Oral minoxidil:
- Fluid retention
- Palpitation and chest pain
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Dizziness
Topical minoxidil:
- Changes in hair texture or colour
- Scalp irritation
- Flakiness
- Dryness
Where to buy oral minoxidil UK?
Minoxidil is available to buy from OxfordOnlinePharmacy by answering a short questionnaire. For more information on minoxidil or the other hair loss products we offer, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our trained healthcare team. You can contact us by phone at 01295 262925 or email us at help@oxfordop.co.uk.