Asilian A, Farmani A, Saber M. Clinical efficacy and safety of low-dose oral minoxidil versus topical solution in the improvement of androgenetic alopecia: A randomized controlled trial.
J Cosmet Dermatol 2024;
23:949-957. [PMID:
38031516 DOI:
10.1111/jocd.16086]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Topical minoxidil is the recommended first-line pharmacologic treatment for male and female pattern hair loss. However, low-dose oral minoxidil has been used off-label with good clinical efficacy and safety.
AIM
To compare the effectiveness and safety of topical minoxidil as a first-choice treatment of androgenetic alopecia versus 1 mg daily oral minoxidil.
METHOD
Sixty-five AGA patients were randomly allocated to receive either 5% topical solution or 1 mg/day oral minoxidil for 6 months. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by measuring hair diameter, photographic assessment, and patient self-assessment questionnaires. The safety of treatment was checked through history taking and physical examination.
RESULTS
Both topical and oral minoxidil groups showed significant improvement in hair diameter after 6 months of treatment (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups. The photographic assessment demonstrated a significant improvement in hair density in the topical minoxidil group in all marked points located at 12 cm (p = 0.025), 16 cm (p = 0.034), and 24 cm (p = 0.014) distance from the glabella but not in the oral minoxidil group. Nevertheless, the difference between the two groups was not significant. In each group, over 60% of patients expressed satisfaction with their treatments, and no significant difference was detected between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
Although topical minoxidil has a better overall therapeutic effect than 1 mg oral minoxidil, the difference between the two groups was not significant. Therefore, 1 mg oral minoxidil may be as effective and safe as standard topical minoxidil in female and male pattern hair loss.
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