Androgenetic Alopecia: Oral Minoxidil Versus Other Drug Therapies

May 2022 in “ Revista Contemporânea ”

André Mendes Figueirêdo, Lívio e Vasconcelos do Egypto

minoxidil oral minoxidil androgenetic alopecia AGA oral finasteride Platelet-Rich Plasma PRP Fibroblast Growth Factors topical cetirizine phototherapy Rogaine Propecia

TLDR Combining two treatments for hair loss works better than using just one.

The systematic review "ALOPECIA ANDROGENÉTICA: MINOXIDIL ORAL VERSUS OUTRAS TERAPIAS MEDICAMENTOSAS" compared oral minoxidil therapy for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) with other drug therapies such as oral finasteride, Platelet-Rich Plasma, Fibroblast Growth Factors, topical cetirizine, and phototherapy. The study found that combining two therapies yielded superior results compared to using just one. While some patients reported adverse effects from the medications, few had to stop treatment because of these reactions.

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Research cited in this study

18 / 18 results

research Treatment of Pediatric Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review

48 citations, April 2021 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Topical corticosteroids are the best initial treatment for children's alopecia areata.

research Efficacy of Cetirizine 1% Versus Minoxidil 5% Topical Solution in the Treatment of Male Alopecia: A Randomized, Single-Blind Controlled Study

7 citations, April 2021 in “Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences”

Cetirizine 1% helps hair growth in men with no major side effects, but minoxidil 5% works better.

research Safety of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss: A Multicenter Study of 1404 Patients

39 citations, February 2021 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Low-dose oral minoxidil safely treats hair loss, with hypertrichosis as main side effect.

research Trichoscopic Findings in Androgenetic Alopecia

3 citations, January 2021 in “Medicinski arhiv”

Trichoscopy, a hair loss evaluation technique, found that people with Androgenetic Alopecia have more thin hairs, yellow dots, and perifollicular discoloration than healthy individuals.

research Combination Therapy with Topical Minoxidil and Nano-Microneedle-Assisted Fibroblast Growth Factor for Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Chinese Patients

6 citations, November 2020 in “Chinese Medical Journal”

Combining minoxidil and fibroblast growth factor is more effective for treating male hair loss than using either alone.

Comparative Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of PRP Therapy, Minoxidil, and Their Combination with Immunohistochemical Study of the Dynamics of Cell Proliferation in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

research Comparative Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of PRP Therapy, Minoxidil, and Their Combination with Immunohistochemical Study of the Dynamics of Cell Proliferation in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

13 citations, September 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

PRP therapy and minoxidil combo works best for male hair loss.

Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma Use in Androgenetic Alopecia Compared with Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Adult Stem Cell-Based Therapy

research Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma Use in Androgenetic Alopecia Compared with Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Adult Stem Cell-Based Therapy

65 citations, April 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

PRP injections may be a safe, effective alternative for hair loss treatment compared to minoxidil and finasteride.

Placebo-Controlled Dose-Effect Studies with Topical Minoxidil 2% or 5% in Male-Patterned Hair Loss Treated with Oral Finasteride Employing an Analytical and Exhaustive Study Protocol

research Placebo-Controlled Dose-Effect Studies with Topical Minoxidil 2% or 5% in Male-Patterned Hair Loss Treated with Oral Finasteride Employing an Analytical and Exhaustive Study Protocol

5 citations, January 2020 in “Skin Research and Technology”

Minoxidil 5% works better than 2% for hair growth in male-patterned hair loss.

research Caffeine and Its Pharmacological Benefits in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review

8 citations, January 2020 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

Caffeine improves hair growth, thickness, and reduces shedding.

research Comparison of Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy With or Without Topical 5% Minoxidil in Male-Type Baldness: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo Control Trial

26 citations, December 2019 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

PRP combined with minoxidil is the most effective and safe treatment for male pattern baldness.

research Monotherapy for Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

16 citations, January 2019 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Intralesional corticosteroids work best for mild alopecia areata, and DPCP works best for moderate to severe cases.

A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Solution of 0.25% Finasteride Admixed with 3% Minoxidil vs. 3% Minoxidil Solution in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

research A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Solution of 0.25% Finasteride Admixed with 3% Minoxidil vs. 3% Minoxidil Solution in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

43 citations, July 2018 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Finasteride and minoxidil mix works better for hair growth than minoxidil alone, with similar safety.

research The Effectiveness of Adding Low-Level Light Therapy to Minoxidil 5% Solution in the Treatment of Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia

14 citations, January 2018 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

Adding low-level light therapy to minoxidil improves hair growth and patient satisfaction.

research Genetic and Molecular Aspects of Androgenetic Alopecia

24 citations, January 2018 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

Androgenetic alopecia is mainly caused by genetic factors and increased androgen activity, leading to hair follicle miniaturization.

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Combination With 5% Minoxidil Topical Solution and 1 mg Oral Finasteride for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study

research Platelet-Rich Plasma in Combination With 5% Minoxidil Topical Solution and 1 mg Oral Finasteride for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study

19 citations, May 2017 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Combining platelet-rich plasma with 5% minoxidil solution improves hair regrowth in androgenetic alopecia patients.

research The Effectiveness of Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

178 citations, April 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil, finasteride, and low-level laser light therapy effectively treat hair loss.

Combined Treatment with Oral Finasteride and Topical Minoxidil in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized and Comparative Study in Chinese Patients

research Combined Treatment with Oral Finasteride and Topical Minoxidil in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized and Comparative Study in Chinese Patients

32 citations, June 2015 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Finasteride and minoxidil together work best for male hair loss.

Preparation and Evaluation of a Multimodal Minoxidil Microemulsion Versus Minoxidil Alone in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia of Mixed Etiology: A Pilot Study

research Preparation and Evaluation of a Multimodal Minoxidil Microemulsion Versus Minoxidil Alone in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia of Mixed Etiology: A Pilot Study

24 citations, May 2013 in “Drug Design Development and Therapy”

Multimodal minoxidil microemulsion is more effective in treating hair loss than minoxidil alone.

Related Research

3 / 3 results

research Minoxidil-Induced Hypertrichosis in a Child with Alopecia Areata

4 citations, January 2017 in “Indian Dermatology Online Journal”

A child used a hair growth lotion for hair loss, but it caused excessive hair growth on his face and neck instead.

research Topical Minoxidil for Hair Growth in Alopecia Areata and Androgenetica

24 citations, February 1987 in “Drugs”

Minoxidil promotes hair regrowth, but more research needed for effectiveness and response factors.

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.