Adverse Effects of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil for Androgenetic Alopecia in 435 Patients

November 2020 in “ Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology ”

Baltazar Dias Sanabria, Tamara de Nardo Vanzela, Hélio Amante Miot, Paulo Müller Ramos

minoxidil androgenetic alopecia hypertrichosis hypotension tachycardia edema headache insomnia nightmares Rogaine

TLDR Low-dose oral minoxidil may cause side effects like hypertrichosis and is not suitable for everyone.

The study examined the adverse effects of low-dose oral minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia in 435 patients. The most common adverse effect reported was hypertrichosis, which was associated with younger age and dose/weight in men. Other adverse effects included hypotension, tachycardia, edema, headache, insomnia, and nightmares. The study suggests that low-dose oral minoxidil may not be suitable for all patients with androgenetic alopecia due to the potential for adverse effects.

View this study on jaad.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

research Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil as Treatment for Non-Scarring Alopecia: A Systematic Review

19 citations, June 2020 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Low-dose oral minoxidil effectively treats non-scarring hair loss with some side effects like hypertrichosis and postural hypotension.

A Randomized, Single-Blind Trial of 5% Minoxidil Foam Once Daily Versus 2% Minoxidil Solution Twice Daily in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

research A Randomized, Single-Blind Trial of 5% Minoxidil Foam Once Daily Versus 2% Minoxidil Solution Twice Daily in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

100 citations, June 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% minoxidil foam once daily works as well as 2% minoxidil solution twice daily for female hair growth and is more convenient.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community 15 Week Update of Oral Consumption of Topical Minoxidil. 3 drops Keeps 5% (3.75mg) 2x per day with comparison.

in Update 2 years ago

CumShotDiva's update on using topical minoxidil orally in an attempt to regrow hair, which has been met with both support and criticism from other users. The conversation includes discussion of possible side effects and the efficacy of this approach.

community 6 week update fellas, 5mg oral minoxidil. Pics are 2nd June – 10th July

in Progress Pictures 2 years ago

, you can find it online with a script This user was discussing their progress with hair loss treatments including 5mg oral Minoxidil and combining 3mg oral Minoxidil with MTF HRT. They also discussed side effects of increased body hair in other parts of the body.

community The no BS guide to saving your hair without finasteride (improvement in 90% of patients in the study) with a low side effect profile or improvement in 100% of patients but a higher side effect profile and increased dosage. The future is here?

in Minoxidil 92 upvotes 4 years ago

Hair loss treatments, specifically the use of oral minoxidil in combination with micro-needling. Oral minoxidil has been found to improve hair density in 90% of patients with a low side effect profile, but using 5mg per day can result in higher side effects including hypertrichosis and edema. Other treatments mentioned include finasteride and RU58841.

community Oral min 2.5mg closing in on 3 months

in Progress Pictures 372 upvotes 1 year ago

_the_orange_box_'s experience using oral minoxidil, with discussion about finasteride and the potential side effects of both treatments. Other users shared their own experiences related to hair loss treatments.

community Found the solution tressbros - 1.5 years 2.5mg oral minox, 5mg finasteride, 8mg estradiol valerate (weekly)

in Transgender 591 upvotes 9 months ago

The conversation discusses a transgender individual's successful hair loss treatment over 1.5 years using 2.5mg oral minoxidil, 5mg finasteride, and 8mg weekly injectable estradiol valerate. Some users debate the appropriateness of this approach within the group's goals, while others support the individualized treatment and its additional benefits for transgender individuals.

community The Real Cause Of Androgenetic Alopecia

in Research/Science 667 upvotes 1 month ago

Androgenetic alopecia is caused by DHT affecting hair growth. Finasteride and minoxidil are used to manage hair loss by blocking DHT and promoting hair growth.

Related Research

3 / 3 results

research Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp Due to Topical Minoxidil 5%

3 citations, January 2018

A woman had an unusual allergic reaction to a hair loss treatment, which cleared up after stopping the treatment and using a different medication.

research Effectivity of Minoxidil as a Treatment for Alopecia Areata

January 2014 in “DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals)”

Minoxidil can effectively treat patchy hair loss by stimulating hair growth.

research Alopecia Areata Treated With Topical Minoxidil

16 citations, April 1984 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Topical minoxidil can help hair regrowth in alopecia areata patients, but maintaining the growth after stopping treatment is inconsistent.