How much Minoxidil goes systemic?

General Basic Questions
1

Hi,

The title. When looking at the scientific literature (e.g. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/545803), it seems to range between ~1.5% and ~4%.

The thing is, I don’t understand whether it stays in the scalp or goes into the bloodstream.

I’m asking because I want to give oral Minoxidil a try after a year of 15% topical that did nothing. If the numbers are right, it would mean (?) I got between 2.1mg and 5.85mg everyday with no side effects and I can more or less safely hop on oral.

2

Oral min can be more effective since it ensures systemic exposure, unlike topical versions where a negligible amount gets absorbed. If you’ve had no side effects so far with 15%, switching to oral might be safe for you, but be aware it can be more potent and have different side effects.

3

Thank you for your kind answer.

I still don’t know how much goes systemic, though.

4

Research sublingual minoxidol….it does not go through liver where oral does so you can take higher doses with more minimal side effects if thats what you are worried about. There is plenty of research online about the amount of min in blood when taken at certain doses but I think you are missing the point. With min you need to see a doc/derm so they can monitor you for sides so does not matter how much in blood it matters how you react to the incremental increase of dosing.