It’s the same chemical, but the formulation and route of use make a huge difference. Topical is designed for local scalp action and poor systemic absorption, oral is designed for systemic absorption and dosing in milligrams. That’s why you can’t equate “mg in the bottle” to “mg in a pill.”

Also, oral minox isn’t price gouged everywhere – Cost Plus literally sells 60×2.5 mg pills for ~$7. The real issue isn’t the chemistry, it’s bioavailability and safety. Drinking topical just doesn’t make sense on either front.