This article describes minoxidil oral tablet’s dosage and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for minoxidil. If you want to know more about minoxidil oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.
Minoxidil oral tablet is a generic medication. It’s not available in a brand-name version.
Boxed warnings
This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of heart problems, risk of chest pain, and the correct use of the drug. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about these warnings.
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Form and strengths of minoxidil
Minoxidil oral tablet comes as follows:
- Form: tablet, which you’ll take by swallowing
- Strengths: 2.5 milligrams (mg) and 10 mg
Dosage of minoxidil
This article describes the recommended dosage for minoxidil oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of minoxidil oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosage of minoxidil in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of minoxidil oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of minoxidil oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.
| Condition | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| severe high blood pressure | 5 mg once daily | 10–40 mg daily as a single dose or divided into multiple doses | 100 mg daily |
Dosages of minoxidil in children
For children ages 12 years and older, the recommended dosage of minoxidil is the same as the dosage for adults.
For children under age 12 years, the recommended dosage is 0.2 mg per kilogram (kg) of body weight once daily. For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb). Your child’s doctor will then adjust the dosage as needed, up to a maximum of 50 mg daily.
Dosage adjustments for minoxidil
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of minoxidil oral tablet based on several factors. These include:
- how severe your condition is
- your age
- weight for children less than 12 years old
- how well your body tolerates minoxidil
Missed dose of minoxidil
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what to do about a missed dose of minoxidil. They may advise you to take the missed dose or to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of minoxidil oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about minoxidil oral tablet and its dosage.
Do older adults need a lower dose of minoxidil?
It depends. Usually, doctors will prescribe older adults (ages 65 and older) a low dose of minoxidil and monitor them closely. Older adults may have liver, kidney, or heart conditions that could affect their minoxidil dosage. Their doctor will increase or decrease their minoxidil dose as needed.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about the dosage of minoxidil for older adults.
Is minoxidil taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe minoxidil oral tablet as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take minoxidil oral tablet, talk with your doctor.
How minoxidil is taken
You’ll swallow minoxidil oral tablet 1 or more times daily as prescribed by your doctor. You can cut the tablet if needed to make the right dosage.
Your doctor will likely prescribe other medications that you should take with minoxidil to avoid certain side effects. Be sure to take all medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor may advise that you take minoxidil around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Minoxidil coupon
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Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
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