Duration set with your clinician
Low-dose oral minoxidil
- A tablet that you take by mouth
- Your clinician sets the amount
- May cause extra hair growth and ankle swelling
- Not for people with heart disease
Oral minoxidil prescribed online(Minoxidil)
Minoxidil helps slow hair thinning and can regrow hair over time. It comes as a low-dose tablet or a topical product. Your clinician decides which form suits you, if any.
Start my assessmentAt a glance
- Low-dose tablet or topical minoxidil
- For pattern hair loss and shedding
- Results build over several months
Why Modern Dermatology
- Canadian-licensed medical professionals, 100% online
- Prescriptions sent to your pharmacy or delivered
- Follow-up and refills through your Care Team
Used forHair loss
Oral minoxidil can affect your heart and blood pressure. Do not use it if you have heart disease. Get urgent care for chest pain, fainting, or fast swelling of the legs or face.
Choosing the right form for you
Your clinician decides if you use low-dose tablets, topical minoxidil, or both, and sets the amount. The choice depends on your heart health, your hair pattern and how well you can keep up a routine.
Considerations include
- Pattern and stage of hair loss
- Heart health and blood pressure
- How easily you keep up a daily routine
- Scalp irritation with topical products
- Pregnancy plans and breastfeeding
Duration set with your clinician
Topical minoxidil
- A foam or solution for the scalp
- Works mostly where you apply it
- May irritate the scalp or add hair on the face
- Needs regular use to keep results
Your clinician decides which option fits you. Durations are typical ranges, not promises.
How minoxidil works
Minoxidil keeps hair follicles active longer
Minoxidil widens small blood vessels and acts on the hair follicle. It lengthens the growth phase of the hair cycle. Thin, short hairs can grow longer and thicker.
Results take time. Most people wait several months to see a change. Hair can thin again if you stop.
Recommended for
- Male pattern hair loss
- Female pattern hair loss
- Diffuse shedding that is slow to recover
- People who want a non-hormonal option
- Adults without heart disease (for tablets)
Your clinician reviews your skin and history, and confirms that this treatment is right for you before prescribing.
Widens small blood vessels
Better supply to follicles
Extends the growth phase
Hairs grow for longer
Wakes up resting follicles
More active hairs
Thickens thin hairs
Fuller look over time
How it works.
- 01
Tell us about your skin
Complete a quick medical questionnaire and upload a few photos of your skin concerns. No appointment needed.
- 02
Get your personalized treatment plan
A Canadian-licensed medical professional will review your information and recommend a personalized treatment plan, including prescriptions when appropriate. Most conditions can be assessed without a video consultation.
- 03
Start your treatment
Get your prescribed medications delivered right to your door. Medication costs are billed separately from your consultation.
- 04
Follow up on your progress
At a follow-up, your clinician can review your progress, discuss side effects and adjust your treatment if needed.
Clear answers.
Have more questions? See our full FAQ or Contact us.
Still have questions? Reach our care team at 514 111 1111
Start my assessmentYes, when it is appropriate for you. You complete an assessment, and a Canadian-licensed medical professional reviews it and decides if oral minoxidil suits you.
Minoxidil acts on the hair follicle and lengthens the growth phase of the hair cycle. Over time, thin hairs can grow thicker. The tablet works from the inside, so it reaches the whole scalp.
Most people wait several months. You may see more shedding at first as old hairs fall out. Your clinician sets a follow-up schedule to assess your results. Stopping usually lets hair loss return.
Many people see less shedding and thicker hairs. Some regrow hair, and others mainly keep what they have. Results vary from person to person. Photos help you and your clinician compare.
Extra hair on the face or body is the most common. Some people have ankle swelling, headaches, lightheadedness or a faster heartbeat. Topical minoxidil can irritate the scalp. Tell your Care Team about any new symptom.
People with heart disease, a heart rhythm problem or a pheochromocytoma should not take it. It is also not for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your clinician about every medicine you take. Your clinician decides if it is safe for you.
The tablet is easier to keep up and reaches the whole scalp, but it can affect blood pressure and cause extra hair growth. The topical form acts mostly on the scalp, but it needs regular application and can irritate. Your clinician helps you choose.
For male pattern hair loss, your clinician may discuss finasteride or dutasteride. For female pattern hair loss, spironolactone is another option. These are prescription medicines with their own risks. Your clinician picks what fits your health.
In many cases, yes. Your clinician may combine minoxidil with another hair loss treatment. Do not add products without asking your Care Team. Tell them about every product and supplement you use.
Avoid it. Minoxidil can pass into breast milk, and it is not recommended in pregnancy. Tell your clinician if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding. Your clinician then plans another approach.
Each consultation costs CA$175. Your pharmacy charges separately for medication. Ask your insurer whether your plan covers the prescribed treatment.
Topical minoxidil is approved for hair loss in Canada. Oral minoxidil for hair is an off-label use of a medicine approved for another condition. The tablets are sold as Loniten and as generic products.
Your clinician decides how long you use oral minoxidil and when to renew it. Your Care Team follows up with you, and you can message them with questions. Renewals depend on your results, your blood pressure and your clinician's review.
Checked with care
Blood pressure
Your clinician checks your blood pressure and heart rate before you start and at follow-ups.
Swelling and heart symptoms
Tell your Care Team about ankle swelling, chest pain, fainting or a racing heartbeat. Your clinician then reviews your plan.
Unwanted hair growth
Extra facial or body hair can appear. Your clinician can adjust the plan if it bothers you.
Regular follow-up
Your Care Team reviews your results after several months and decides if you continue.
Simple pricing for your skin care.
Medication costs are separate. Ask your insurer whether your plan reimburses online consultations.
Skin assessment
- Medical questionnaire and photo review
- Personalized treatment plan
- Prescription when appropriate
CA$175
per consultation
Related treatments
Your clinician can suggest another option when this one is not the right fit.