TLDR Oral minoxidil 7.5 mg for hair loss increases heart rate but not blood pressure.
A study involving 11 adult males with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) assessed the cardiovascular effects of increasing oral minoxidil dosage from 5 mg/day to 7.5 mg/day over 6 weeks. Using 24-hour Holter monitoring and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), the study found a mild increase in heart rate but no significant changes in blood pressure. Despite the small sample size, the results suggest that while 7.5 mg/day of minoxidil is well tolerated, doses above 5 mg/day should be used cautiously and increased gradually due to potential cardiovascular risks.
May 2023 in “Hair transplant forum international” Oral minoxidil shows promise for hair growth but needs more research on dosing and side effects.
August 2022 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” A 5-mg dose of oral minoxidil slightly lowers blood pressure temporarily, especially in those with higher initial blood pressure.
3 citations,
August 2022 in “JAAD case reports” A woman developed swelling in her body after taking low-dose oral minoxidil for hair loss, but it resolved after stopping the medication.
3 citations,
May 2022 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” The conclusion is that 24 weeks of low-dose oral minoxidil is safe for men with hair loss, with no significant changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
2 citations,
January 2022 in “Skin appendage disorders” Low-dose oral minoxidil effectively promotes hair growth but has associated risks.
25 citations,
February 1989 in “The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology” This document studied minoxidil in healthy volunteers. Minoxidil is quickly absorbed and eliminated from the body.
14 citations,
August 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Low-dose oral minoxidil is a safe treatment for hair loss, with the main side effect being excessive hair growth. Other side effects like foot swelling, low blood pressure when standing, and heart rate changes are rare.
January 2022 in “Indian journal of drugs in dermatology” Oral minoxidil helps with hair growth but needs more research to fully understand its effectiveness and safety.
November 2023 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Oral minoxidil is more convenient but topical minoxidil improves hair density better.
March 2025 in “Journal of Clinical Medicine” Low-dose oral minoxidil effectively treats alopecia but can cause side effects like excess hair growth and fluid retention.
7 citations,
November 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Low-dose oral minoxidil may cause side effects like hypertrichosis and is not suitable for everyone.
