From the Research
There is no standard tapering regimen required when discontinuing oral minoxidil 2.5mg daily for alopecia, and it can typically be stopped abruptly without causing withdrawal symptoms or rebound effects. Unlike some medications, oral minoxidil's mechanism of action, which involves prolonging the growth phase of hair follicles and increasing blood flow to the scalp, does not lead to dependence or withdrawal symptoms when discontinued 1. However, patients should be aware that hair loss will gradually return once the medication is discontinued, usually becoming noticeable within 3-4 months after stopping treatment. This occurs because the effects of minoxidil diminish when the medication is no longer present in the system.
Some key points to consider when discontinuing oral minoxidil include:
- The potential for hair loss to return to its pre-treatment state, as the medication's effects on hair growth are reversible 2
- The lack of systemic adverse effects associated with discontinuation, as reported in a multicenter study of 1404 patients 3
- The importance of consulting with the prescribing physician before discontinuing treatment, as individual circumstances may vary 4
While some dermatologists might suggest a gradual reduction (such as decreasing to 1.25mg daily for 2-4 weeks before stopping completely) to minimize any potential cardiovascular effects like mild fluid retention, this is generally not pharmacologically necessary 5. It's also important to note that any hair growth achieved during treatment will be lost after discontinuation, returning to the pre-treatment progression of hair loss.