How long does minoxidil take to work?
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/
Read next
Does minoxidil work for beards?
Topical minoxidil (Rogaine) appears to be effective for enhancing beards and stimulating hair growth in the lower facial region, although few studies have been reported. One trial found a significant improvement in beard growth as assessed by photography, as well as significant improvements in facial hair count after 16 weeks of twice daily topical minoxidil 3%. The participants in the trial also reported noticing that their beard growth had improved. There was no difference noted between the thickness of beard hairs in those who applied minoxidil compared to those who applied a placebo (an inactive) treatment. Continue reading
What is the best time of day to take blood pressure medication?
Research has suggested that taking your blood pressure medication at night instead of in the morning can provide better blood pressure control at night without compromising daytime blood pressure control and reduce your overall risk of dying because of cardiovascular disease by 45%. Continue reading
Can you take Viagra with high blood pressure?
You can take Viagra (sildenafil) if you have high blood pressure that is controlled by blood pressure medications. Caution is warranted in some cases. You should tell your doctor if you have high or low blood pressure before starting Viagra. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Minoxidil Information for Consumers
- Minoxidil prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Minoxidil (detailed)
Related support groups
- Minoxidil (10 questions, 71 members)
- High Blood Pressure (489 questions, 1,608 members)
