Products / Prescription medication
Minoxidil 2.5 mg oral tablets
Low-dose oral minoxidil is an off-label option for androgenetic alopecia in patients who cannot tolerate topical minoxidil or who prefer once-daily oral dosing. Prescribed only after a GMC-registered doctor has reviewed the patient's cardiovascular and renal history.
From £89 / month as part of WMG Advanced Hair PlanAbout this product
Oral minoxidil was originally licensed as an antihypertensive (Loniten) and is used off-label at low doses (typically 0.625 to 5 mg daily) for pattern hair loss. A growing body of evidence supports its use, with response rates broadly comparable to topical minoxidil and an acceptable safety profile when prescribed appropriately. Common side effects include facial and body hypertrichosis, mild ankle oedema, and occasional postural symptoms. We start at 1.25 to 2.5 mg daily and adjust based on response and tolerance at follow-up review. Oral minoxidil is not suitable in pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and women of childbearing potential should be using reliable contraception during treatment.
How it works
Minoxidil is a vasodilator that prolongs the anagen (growth) phase of the hair follicle and increases follicular size. Oral dosing reaches all follicles systemically rather than depending on topical penetration.
Who this product is for
- You have established androgenetic alopecia
- You cannot tolerate or have not responded to topical minoxidil
- You prefer once-daily oral dosing
- You have no contraindications on cardiovascular or renal grounds at clinical review
Important information
This is a prescription-only medication. WMG Meds is an online assessment service operating under Westminster Medical Group (CQC-registered, Harley Street). Prescriptions are issued by a GMC-registered doctor after asynchronous review of your questionnaire and declared medical history. Suitability, dose and strength are decided by your clinician on a case-by-case basis. We are not a pharmacy and do not dispense in-clinic: your prescription is fulfilled and delivered by our partner pharmacy.
Prescribed under: Dr Sebastian Deme (Medical Director, GMC 7130749) or Dr Grahame Shaw (GMC 7460905), both on the GMC Register and clinically responsible for prescribing decisions on this product. Meet the team.
If you experience side effects or have any clinical concerns, contact us via the enquiry form or call 020 3239 3378. For urgent symptoms please contact your GP, NHS 111, or 999.
Safety information and regulatory updates
Please read the following before starting Minoxidil 2.5 mg oral tablets. Your clinician will discuss any concerns at clinical review and you can stop treatment at any time.
MHRA Drug Safety Updates and contraindications
- Off-licence use for hair loss must be disclosed at prescribing (GMC Good Practice in Prescribing and Managing Medicines).
- Common side effects: facial and body hypertrichosis, mild ankle oedema, occasional postural symptoms.
- Rare cardiac effects including pericardial effusion have been described at higher antihypertensive doses.
- Not suitable in pregnancy or breastfeeding; women of childbearing potential should use reliable contraception during treatment.
Patient Information Leaflet
The official UK Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) on the eMC, the MHRA-affiliated electronic Medicines Compendium.
Yellow Card scheme
Report any suspected side effects of Minoxidil 2.5 mg oral tablets to the MHRA via the Yellow Card scheme. Reporting helps the MHRA monitor medicines safety in the UK.
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