Is there a pill that substitutes for Rogaine?

Question

I have been applying Rogaine (liquid form) on the scalp of my head for over a year now. It has worked very well. However, my issue is the flakes that I find my hair. Is there a pill that could substitute Rogaine. I have heard of Loniten (Minoxidil in pill form), but I have been told that pill is risky because it could cause problems in the heart. Please let me know if Loniten is a good option. If not, are there any other pills that could substitute Rogaine and be less risky?

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

You are correct. Oral minoxidil has risks ... but so does every oral medication for male balding (finasteride and dutasteride). In general, the most effective oral treatments have the most potential side effects. The least effective treatments have the fewest side effects.

Faiyaaz Kalimullah, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Scalp itching and dandruff are not an uncommon side effect with the liquid form of Rogaine.  I find that many of my patients who experience these side effects often do much better when the switch to the foam formulation.
It's important to note that there are a variety of reasons we can start losing our hair, and the treatments can differ depending on the exact reason.  Assuming you are experiencing genetic/age-related hair loss, there are a number of oral medications that can help as well - Propecia is FDA-approved to treat male pattern hair loss, while some women with female pattern hair loss can benefit from spironolactone.  I generally do not recommend the oral form of minoxidil for the reasons you mentioned.  I would recommend scheduling a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist to discuss your hair loss and treatment options.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Yes, minoxidil can be taken in a pill form.  It requires that a doctor discusses and prescribes this medication so that you understand the potential side effects and risks

Is there a pill that substitutes for Rogaine?

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Is there a pill that substitutes for Rogaine?

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Everything you need to know about Rogaine

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