Xerostomia as a Rare Adverse Effect of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil: A Case Report With Recurrence After Rechallenge

    September 2025 in “ Clinical Case Reports ”
    Nicolò Rivetti
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    TLDR Oral minoxidil can cause dry mouth, but switching to topical minoxidil may prevent this side effect.
    Oral minoxidil, used for treating hair loss, can cause xerostomia (dry mouth) as a rare side effect, as demonstrated in a 74-year-old woman. Her symptoms resolved after stopping the medication and recurred upon reexposure, indicating a causal relationship. This case highlights the need for clinicians to consider dry mouth as a potential systemic reaction to oral minoxidil, even at low doses. The patient successfully switched to topical minoxidil without experiencing xerostomia again, suggesting that topical formulations may be a safer alternative for those predisposed to salivary gland dysfunction.
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      community Do you think oral minoxidil will become the standard for hair loss in 2026?

      in Minoxidil  142 upvotes 2 weeks ago
      Oral minoxidil is considered more convenient and effective for some users, with positive results reported, but concerns about side effects and availability persist. Finasteride remains a standard treatment, while some users explore combinations with other treatments like dutasteride and laser devices.

      community How soon did you start seeing results with Oral Minoxidil?

      in Minoxidil  7 upvotes 1 month ago
      Oral minoxidil shows varying results for hair regrowth, with some users seeing improvements within weeks to months, while others see minimal or no gains. Combining treatments like finasteride or Tretinoin may enhance results, but outcomes differ widely.

      community Oral minoxidil — is it actually worth it?

      in Minoxidil  42 upvotes 1 month ago
      Oral minoxidil is effective for hair loss but may cause side effects like increased heart rate and edema. Finasteride is recommended, with dutasteride as an alternative if needed.

      community Is oral minoxidil f***ing me up?

      in General  269 upvotes 1 month ago
      Oral minoxidil is causing significant blood pressure fluctuations and increased heart rate, leading the user to consider switching to topical minoxidil and tretinoin. The user plans to consult a cardiologist and is likely to stop using oral minoxidil.

      community Oral minoxidil hypertension after stopping

      in General  48 upvotes 2 months ago
      The user switched from topical to oral minoxidil (5mg daily) a year ago, saw no improvement, and experienced chest pain and trouble sleeping after stopping. They are considering whether to resume and taper the dosage due to stress and anxiety.

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