Comparing Compliance, Side Effects, and Satisfaction in Oral and Topical Minoxidil

A study involving 35 patients compared compliance, satisfaction, and side effects between oral and topical minoxidil for hair loss treatment. Oral minoxidil was found to be superior in terms of compliance and satisfaction, with patients reporting greater ease of use, fewer missed treatment days, and higher satisfaction with hair volume and change. Although side effects were generally similar, oral minoxidil had a higher incidence of hypertrichosis. The study suggests that oral minoxidil reduces treatment burden by avoiding the aesthetic and discomfort issues associated with topical application, without increasing cardiac or other systemic side effects. These findings highlight the importance of considering patient experience in treatment plans to improve compliance.