Minoxidil Use in Dermatology, Side Effects, and Recent Patents

April 2012 in “ Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery ”

Alfredo De Rossi, Carmen Cantisani, Luca Melis, Alessandra J. Iorio, Elisabetta Scali, Stefano Calvieri

minoxidil androgenic alopecia potassium channels irritant contact dermatitis allergic contact dermatitis hair follicle blood vessels hair cycle synchronization potassium channel openers Rogaine

Studysummary This review describes minoxidil's hair regrowth mechanism and discusses dermatological applications, but reports no new clinical results, emphasizing the need for regular use and addressing allergic reactions.

Automatically generated from the study's abstract, not written by a person, and not a review of the full paper. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Read the original study, and consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

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Research cited in this study

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research Marie-Unna Hereditary Hypotrichosis: Case Report and Review of the Literature

12 citations , March 2011 in “Pediatric dermatology”

This report describes a new case of Marie-Unna hereditary hypotrichosis in an 18-year-old girl, marking the first occurrence in a previously unaffected family.

research Alopecia Areata Incognita: A Case Report

19 citations , January 2011 in “Clinics”

This article reviews alopecia areata incognita, a rare condition mostly seen in young women, and discusses its similarities and differences with telogen effluvium; however, it reports no new clinical findings.

research Monilethrix Treated with Minoxidil

23 citations , January 2011 in “International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology”

In this small study, topical minoxidil 2% was associated with an increase in normal hair shaft production in patients with Monilethrix without any reported side effects.

research Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss

48 citations , September 2010 in “PubMed”

This review discusses chemotherapy-induced hair loss, highlighting that topical minoxidil can lessen its severity or duration but not prevent it, and reports no new clinical results.

Identification of Transcriptional Targets of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Dermal Papilla Cells of Human Scalp Hair Follicles: EP2 Is a Novel Transcriptional Target of Wnt3a

research Identification of Transcriptional Targets of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Dermal Papilla Cells of Human Scalp Hair Follicles: EP2 Is a Novel Transcriptional Target of Wnt3a

29 citations , March 2010 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

This study found that Wnt3a increased beta-catenin signaling and upregulated specific genes in cultured human dermal papilla cells, enhancing their response to PGE2 and potentially aiding hair growth.

research A New Approach to Treating Scarring Alopecia by Hair Transplantation and Topical Minoxidil

11 citations , January 2010 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

Hair transplant and applying 5% minoxidil solution can effectively treat permanent hair loss, but it may change hair direction in some cases.

research Hair Follicle Biology and Topical Minoxidil: Possible Mechanisms of Action

37 citations , October 2009 in “Dermatology”

This study suggests that the action of minoxidil in stimulating hair growth likely occurs at the follicular dermal papilla, though it does not induce new follicle formation.

research Contemporary Hair Transplantation

54 citations , August 2009 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This review outlines the steps of contemporary hair transplantation surgery, including the roles of medications and nonsurgical options, but it reports no new clinical findings.

research Biphasic Effects of Minoxidil on the Proliferation and Differentiation of Normal Human Keratinocytes

34 citations , April 2009 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

This study found that Minoxidil had biphasic effects on normal human keratinocytes, stimulating proliferation at micromolar doses, but showing antiproliferative, pro-differentiative, and cytotoxic effects at millimolar concentrations.

research Alopecia Areata: Evidence-Based Treatments

71 citations , March 2009 in “Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery”

This review discusses evidence for alopecia areata treatments, highlighting their ability to stimulate hair growth but noting limited data on long-term efficacy and impact on quality of life.

research Medical Treatments for Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

212 citations , September 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This review discusses the various treatment options for male and female pattern hair loss and provides no new clinical results; the authors outline the most effective strategies based on existing evidence.

Minoxidil Exerts Different Inhibitory Effects on Gene Expression of Lysyl Hydroxylase 1, 2, and 3: Implications for Collagen Cross-Linking and Treatment of Fibrosis

research Minoxidil Exerts Different Inhibitory Effects on Gene Expression of Lysyl Hydroxylase 1, 2, and 3: Implications for Collagen Cross-Linking and Treatment of Fibrosis

38 citations , June 2005 in “Matrix Biology”

Minoxidil affects collagen-related genes, potentially helping treat fibrosis.

research Minoxidil: Mechanisms of Action on Hair Growth

397 citations , February 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This article reviews the mechanisms by which minoxidil stimulates hair growth and reports no new clinical findings.

research Hypertrichosis in Females Applying Minoxidil Topical Solution and in Normal Controls

63 citations , April 2003 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study found that minoxidil topical solution was associated with a dose-related occurrence of hypertrichosis, especially facial hair, in women treated for androgenetic alopecia.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

269 citations , August 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that 5% topical minoxidil significantly increased hair regrowth and improved psychosocial perceptions of hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia compared to 2% topical minoxidil and placebo over 48 weeks.

research Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Topical Minoxidil Solution: Etiology and Treatment

123 citations , February 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil can cause skin allergy; use alternative solvents or treatments if allergic.

research Control of Hair Growth and Follicle Size by VEGF-Mediated Angiogenesis

520 citations , February 2001 in “Journal of Clinical Investigation”

This study found that VEGF significantly enhances perifollicular vascularization during the hair growth phase, accelerating hair regrowth and increasing follicle and hair size, while its inhibition retards hair growth.

research A Case of Acute Myocardial Infarction Associated with Topical Use of Minoxidil for Treatment of Baldness

15 citations , January 2000 in “Japanese Heart Journal”

This case report discusses a 45-year-old Japanese man who developed myocardial infarction while using 1% topical minoxidil for baldness, highlighting the need for caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders.

Changes in Hair Weight and Hair Count in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia After Application of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil, Placebo, or No Treatment

research Changes in Hair Weight and Hair Count in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia After Application of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil, Placebo, or No Treatment

115 citations , November 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, men using 2% and 5% minoxidil solutions experienced a significant increase in hair weight for 96 weeks compared to placebo, with effects diminishing after treatment cessation.

research The Induction by Topical Minoxidil of Increased Fenestration in the Perifollicular Capillary Wall

12 citations , February 1999 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

In this study, topical minoxidil was reported to increase fenestration in follicular capillary walls around anagen hair bulbs in male rats.

Minoxidil Increases 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase and 5α-Reductase Activity in Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells from Balding Scalp

research Minoxidil Increases 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase and 5α-Reductase Activity in Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells from Balding Scalp

34 citations , February 1999 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

This study found that minoxidil increased 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity by nearly 40% in dermal papilla cells from balding scalps but not in nonbalding scalp cells or dermal fibroblasts.

research Minoxidil Upregulates the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Human Hair Dermal Papilla Cells

192 citations , March 1998 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that minoxidil significantly increases VEGF mRNA and protein expression in dermal papilla cells, suggesting a role in enhancing hair follicle vascularization in androgenetic alopecia.

research Sulfation of Minoxidil by Multiple Human Cytosolic Sulfotransferases

59 citations , February 1998 in “Chemico-Biological Interactions”

This study found that at least four different human sulfotransferase activities contribute to the sulfation of minoxidil, complicating predictions of individual responses based on ST levels.

Activation of Cytoprotective Prostaglandin Synthase-1 by Minoxidil as a Possible Explanation for Its Hair Growth-Stimulating Effect

research Activation of Cytoprotective Prostaglandin Synthase-1 by Minoxidil as a Possible Explanation for Its Hair Growth-Stimulating Effect

81 citations , February 1997 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study suggests that minoxidil activates PGHS-1, which may explain its hair growth-stimulating effects and could aid in designing more potent hair growth-promoting drugs.

research Diffuse Hypertrichosis During Treatment with 5% Topical Minoxidil

44 citations , January 1997 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

In this study, five women with androgenetic alopecia experienced severe facial and limb hypertrichosis after using 5% topical minoxidil, which resolved after discontinuing the treatment.

research In the Absence of Streptomycin, Minoxidil Potentiates the Mitogenic Effects of Fetal Calf Serum, Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1, and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor on NIH 3T3 Fibroblasts in a K+ Channel-Dependent Fashion

32 citations , August 1996 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

research Inhibitory Effects of bFGF, VEGF, and Minoxidil on Collagen Synthesis by Cultured Hair Dermal Papilla Cells

23 citations , July 1996 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

bFGF, VEGF, and minoxidil decrease collagen production in hair cells, possibly affecting hair growth.

research Improvement in Androgenetic Alopecia (Stage V) Using Topical Minoxidil in a Retinoid Vehicle and Oral Finasteride

23 citations , December 1995 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This case report discusses a 32-year-old man's treatment for advanced androgenetic alopecia using a combination of topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, but no clinical outcomes are detailed.

research Relative Influence of Ethanol and Propylene Glycol Cosolvents on Deposition of Minoxidil into the Skin

34 citations , October 1994 in “Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences”

This study found that increasing the proportion of ethanol in minoxidil formulations improved skin penetration in both in vitro and in vivo tests on mice.

research Minoxidil Sulfation in the Hair Follicle

32 citations , January 1994 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

In this study, scalp skin from stumptailed macaques demonstrated minoxidil sulfotransferase activity primarily in hair follicles, which may explain minoxidil's hair growth stimulation in this model.

research Minimum Structural Requirements for Minoxidil Inhibition of Lysyl Hydroxylase in Cultured Fibroblasts

20 citations , January 1994 in “Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics”

Minoxidil needs specific structure to block lysyl hydroxylase; exploring alternatives may keep benefits without this effect.

research Potassium Channel Conductance as a Control Mechanism in Hair Follicles

42 citations , July 1993 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

research Organ Culture of Human Hair Follicles in Serum-Free Medium

27 citations , January 1993 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

In this study, minoxidil sulphate was observed to significantly increase DNA synthesis in cultured human hair follicles in a concentration-dependent manner.

research Minoxidil: Update on Its Clinical Role

38 citations , January 1993 in “PubMed”

This article discusses the impact of minoxidil on legitimizing scientific research in common baldness and reports no new clinical findings.

research Potassium Channel Openers Stimulate DNA Synthesis in Mouse Epidermal Keratinocyte and Whole Hair Follicle Cultures

31 citations , January 1993 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

This study suggests that potassium channel openers, such as minoxidil, may stimulate hair growth by retarding the loss of proliferative activity in mouse hair follicles.

research Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Sulfation Mechanisms in the Biological Actions of Minoxidil

53 citations , January 1993 in “Biochemical Pharmacology”

This study reports a method for efficiently synthesizing chromeno-pyrimidine-N-oxides in good to excellent yields, confirmed by X-ray analysis, through a reaction between 4-chloro-3-formylcoumarin and aromatic carboximide oximes.

research Minoxidil Sulfotransferase, A Marker Of Human Keratinocyte Differentiation

16 citations , May 1992 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil sulfotransferase is a marker of keratinocyte differentiation and may play a role in hair growth.

research Potassium Channel Conductance: A Mechanism Affecting Hair Growth Both In Vitro and In Vivo

82 citations , March 1992 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

research Interaction of Minoxidil with Pigment in Cells of the Hair Follicle: An Example of Binding Without Apparent Biological Effects

7 citations , January 1992 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

This study found that minoxidil accumulated in pigmented hair follicle cells more than in unpigmented ones, but this targeting by pigmentation did not affect hair growth.

research Localization of Minoxidil Sulfotransferase in Rat Liver and the Outer Root Sheath of Anagen Pelage and Vibrissa Follicles

46 citations , January 1991 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil works in liver and outer hair root sheath for hair growth.

research Minoxidil Sulfate Is the Active Metabolite That Stimulates Hair Follicles

166 citations , November 1990 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil sulfate stimulates hair growth.

research Sulfation of Minoxidil by Human Liver Phenol Sulfotransferase

68 citations , September 1990 in “Biochemical Pharmacology”

This study found that minoxidil is bioactivated through sulfation by the phenol-sulfating form of phenol sulfotransferase in human liver.

research Relationship Between Contact Time of Applied Dose and Percutaneous Absorption of Minoxidil From a Topical Solution

25 citations , June 1990 in “Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences”

This study found that minoxidil absorption through the skin increased with longer contact times, reaching over 75% of the maximum absorption within four hours.

research The Effect of Topical Minoxidil on Hair Follicular Cycles of Rats

53 citations , May 1990 in “Journal of Dermatology”

In this animal study, topical minoxidil shortened the telogen phase of hair growth cycles in rats, suggesting it may stimulate certain follicles to progress more rapidly to anagen.

research Sulfation of Minoxidil in Keratinocytes and Hair Follicles

19 citations , October 1989 in “PubMed”

This study found that sulfation of minoxidil occurs in hair follicles and proliferative keratinocytes, which may be linked to its hair growth stimulation effects.

research Histologic Response to Topically Applied Minoxidil in Male-Pattern Alopecia

38 citations , October 1988 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

Minoxidil can help grow hair and make hair follicles bigger, but it can also cause side effects.

research Mechanism of Action of Minoxidil Sulfate-Induced Vasodilation: A Role for Increased Potassium Permeability

48 citations , June 1988 in “PubMed”

In this study, minoxidil sulfate was found to relax norepinephrine-induced contractions in rabbit mesenteric arteries, possibly by acting as a K+ channel agonist, but it did not relax K+-induced contractions.

research Selective Inhibition by Minoxidil of Prostacyclin Production by Cells in Culture

23 citations , March 1988 in “Biochemical Pharmacology”

This study found that minoxidil inhibited prostacyclin production in various endothelial and smooth muscle cells in culture without affecting the synthesis of other cyclooxygenase products.

research Does Topical Minoxidil Increase Skin Blood Flow? A Laser Doppler Flowmetry Study

6 citations , January 1988 in “PubMed”

In this study, no changes in cutaneous blood flow were observed after applying 2%, 5%, or placebo minoxidil lotion in both androgenetic alopecia and healthy male volunteers.

research Sulfation of Minoxidil by Human Platelet Sulfotransferase

39 citations , November 1987 in “Clinica Chimica Acta”

Human platelets change minoxidil to minoxidil sulfate, helping blood vessels widen.

research Alterations in Scalp Blood Flow After the Epicutaneous Application of 3% Minoxidil and 0.1% Hexyl Nicotinate in Alopecia

25 citations , November 1987 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study observed increases in scalp blood flow following the application of 3% minoxidil and 0.1% hexyl nicotinate in individuals with alopecia.

Suppression of Fibroblast Proliferation and Lysyl Hydroxylase Activity by Minoxidil

research Topical Minoxidil in Early Male Pattern Baldness

138 citations , August 1985 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil promotes hair growth in male pattern baldness.

Minoxidil Stimulates Cutaneous Blood Flow in Human Balding Scalps: Pharmacodynamics Measured by Laser Doppler Velocimetry and Photopulse Plethysmography

research Minoxidil Stimulates Cutaneous Blood Flow in Human Balding Scalps: Pharmacodynamics Measured by Laser Doppler Velocimetry and Photopulse Plethysmography

137 citations , May 1984 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil increases blood flow in balding scalps, possibly reversing hair loss.

research Direct Effects of Minoxidil on Epidermal Cells in Culture

63 citations , January 1984 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil promotes hair growth by increasing cell division and DNA synthesis.

research Effect of Minoxidil on Cultured Keratinocytes

72 citations , December 1983 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil helps hair cells live longer and grow longer.

research Unusual Hair Changes with Minoxidil Therapy

13 citations , March 1983 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil caused red hair to grow on a man's temples.

research Sulfation of Minoxidil by Liver Sulfotransferase

66 citations , September 1982 in “Biochemical Pharmacology”

This study identified a sulfotransferase activity in rat liver that catalyzes the sulfation of minoxidil, contributing to its delayed hypotensive effects.

research Reversal of Baldness in Patient Receiving Minoxidil for Hypertension

95 citations , December 1980 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Minoxidil helped bald patient regrow hair.