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How long does minoxidil take to work?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on July 27, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

When taken for high blood pressure, minoxidil works to lower blood pressure within 30 minutes. The full effect on blood pressure occurs between 2 and 3 hours. The topical version of minoxidil used to treat hair loss takes 8 weeks to work. The maximum effects of minoxidil for hair loss usually occur around 4 months of daily use.

How can I tell if minoxidil is working?

You might not notice the effects of oral minoxidil on your blood pressure. You can measure your blood pressure at home to see the effects of the medication. Your blood pressure reading should become lower within 30 minutes of taking a dose.

For hair loss, the effects of topical minoxidil are much slower. You might not notice more hair growth for many weeks. You will need to use it every day to see results. This is because your hair grows slowly.

References

Minoxidil tablet [package insert]. Updated February 2024. Actavis Pharma, Inc. Accessed July 27, 2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=ab30461c-f8c8-409d-9e24-d58ed8a34873

Patel, P., et. al. Updated June 2024. Minoxidil. In: StatPeals [Internet]. Accessed July 27, 2024 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482378/

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Oral vs Topical Minoxidil: Which Should You Choose?

Both oral and topical minoxidil show similar effectiveness for androgenetic alopecia in clinical trials, but they differ significantly in convenience, side-effect profiles, and regulatory approval status. While topical formulations are FDA-approved and widely available over-the-counter, oral minoxidil remains an off-label treatment requiring a prescription. Consult a healthcare professional before starting or switching between either form.

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Can you use Finasteride and Minoxidil together safely?

Combining finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil can deliver fuller hair regrowth than either drug alone, with studies showing improvement rates of up to 94% compared to 59-80% for single treatments. However, always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any combination therapy to ensure it's appropriate for your specific situation.

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Does minoxidil really work for women’s hair loss?

Yes—topical minoxidil is the only FDA-approved medicine for female-pattern hair loss. Up to 60% of patients regrow noticeably thicker hair after eight months of daily use (2% solution twice daily or 5% foam once daily). Consistency and early treatment are key; for best results, always consult a clinician first.

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