Minoxidil Capsules and S/L Troche

What is in this leaflet

This leaflet answers some common questions about Minoxidil Capsules and S/L Troche.
It does not contain all of the available information. It is not intended to replace the advice of your pharmacist or doctor.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine; you may need to read it again.

What minoxidil is used for

Minoxidil is used to treat hair loss (alopecia) in men and women. It works by improving blood flow to the scalp and stimulating hair growth. Minoxidil may be prescribed in capsule or sublingual (S/L) troche form when topical treatments are not suitable or effective.
Your doctor may prescribe minoxidil for another reason—if so, follow their advice.

Before you take minoxidil

When you must not take it

• Do not take minoxidil if you are allergic to minoxidil or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
• Do not take if you are pregnant or breast-feeding unless your doctor recommends it.
• Minoxidil is not recommended for children under 18 years unless specifically prescribed.

Before you start to take it

Tell your pharmacist if you:

• have heart disease, high or low blood pressure
• have kidney or liver disease
• are taking any other medicines

Taking other medicines

Tell your pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, especially:

• blood pressure medicines
• diuretics (fluid tablets)
• other medicines for hair loss
  These medicines may interact with minoxidil.

How to take minoxidil

How much to take

Follow the label or the instructions provided by your pharmacist.
A typical adult dose is 0.25mg to 5mg once daily, or as directed by your doctor.

How to take it

Capsules: Swallow whole with a glass of water, with or without food.
S/L Troche: Place the troche under your tongue and allow it to dissolve completely. Do not chew or swallow whole.

When to take it

Take minoxidil at the same time each day, as prescribed.

How long to take it

Continue taking minoxidil for as long as your doctor or pharmacist tells you. Hair regrowth may take several months. Do not stop taking it suddenly without consulting your doctor.

If you forget a dose

If you forget to take minoxidil, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume as normal. Do not take a double dose.

If you take too much (overdose)

Immediately telephone your doctor, the Poisons Information Centre (☎ 13 11 26 in Australia), or go to Accident & Emergency if you think you or anyone else may have taken too much minoxidil. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort.

While you are taking minoxidil

• Take minoxidil exactly as prescribed.
• Tell any other health professionals you see that you are taking minoxidil.

Possible side effects

Common (≥1 %)	Less common / rare (<1 %)
Increased hair growth (including on face/body)	Dizziness
Headache	Swelling of hands or feet
Fast heartbeat (palpitations)	Chest pain
Fluid retention	Rash
Mild mouth irritation (S/L troche)	Low blood pressure (rare)

Most side effects are mild and short-lived.
Stop taking minoxidil and seek medical advice if you experience severe or worrying symptoms.

Storage and disposal

• Store below 25 °C in a dry place, protected from light.
• Keep the container tightly closed.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Return any unused medicine to your pharmacist for safe disposal.

Product description

What it looks like

• Capsules: white or coloured capsules supplied in a bottle.
• S/L Troche: small, flavoured lozenges supplied in a blister pack or jar.

Ingredients

• Active ingredient: Minoxidil (0.25mg to 2.5mg)
• Inactive ingredients: Capsules: Capsublend-P™, Gelatin capsule *S/L troche: Troche™ base, Silica gel, Stevia powder, flavour (optional)

Sponsor / Further information

Prepared by Gardens Compounding Pharmacy
Suite 1.5, 470 Wodonga Pl,
Albury NSW 2640
Phone (02) 6023 3666
compounding@awardpharmacies.com

This leaflet was updated on 25 July 2025.
This CMI is provided for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.