Efficacy and Safety of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia

February 2024 in “ Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy ”

Aditya K. Gupta, Mesbah Talukder, Avner Shemer

low-dose oral minoxidil androgenetic alopecia topical minoxidil finasteride vasodilation anti-inflammatory action Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway hypertrichosis hypotension edema premature ventricular contractions tachycardia LDOM AGA Rogaine Propecia

TLDR Low-dose oral minoxidil is effective and safe for treating hair loss in men and women.

The document reviews the efficacy and safety of low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in both males and females. While only topical minoxidil and finasteride 1mg daily are FDA-approved, LDOM is increasingly being used off-label due to its favorable efficacy and safety profile demonstrated in several trials. Minoxidil may enhance hair growth through various mechanisms, including vasodilation, anti-inflammatory action, and induction of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. For male AGA, patients may start with 1.25 mg/day of minoxidil, potentially increasing to a maximum of 5 mg/day, while for female AGA, the maximum daily dose is 2.5 mg/day. Common side effects include hypertrichosis and systemic effects like lightheadedness, hypotension, edema, premature ventricular contractions, and tachycardia. The authors suggest that with increased usage, better dosage and monitoring guidelines will be established.

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52 / 52 results

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research Retrospective Review of Oral and Topical Minoxidil for Cancer Treatment-Induced Hair Loss

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research Pericardial, Pleural Effusion and Anasarca: A Rare Complication of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss

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7 citations , January 2021 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

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3 citations , December 2020 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

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14 citations , November 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Oral minoxidil improves hair density in women with androgenetic alopecia, with mild side effects.

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86 citations , July 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

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23 citations , January 2020 in “Frontiers in Pharmacology”

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research Sulfotransferase SULT1A1 Activity in Hair Follicle: A Prognostic Marker of Response to Minoxidil Treatment in Androgenetic Alopecia

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Sulfotransferase SULT1A1 activity may predict minoxidil treatment success for hair loss.

research Very-Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Study with Quantitative Trichoscopic Documentation

24 citations , January 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

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Minoxidil activation by hair enzymes predicts treatment success for female hair loss.

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4 citations , January 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

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117 citations , August 2019 in “Drug Design Development and Therapy”

Minoxidil effectively treats hair loss, but use cautiously and monitor side effects.

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52 citations , August 2019 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Low-dose oral minoxidil effectively improves male hair loss with mild side effects.

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12 citations , March 2018 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil treatment can reduce hair shedding, increase hair volume, and even change hair color in patients with loose anagen hair syndrome.

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16 citations , January 2018 in “International Journal of Trichology”

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40 citations , September 2017 in “F1000Research”

Oral minoxidil effectively reduces hair shedding in women with CTE, with no major side effects.

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37 citations , May 2016 in “JAAD case reports”

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88 citations , June 2011 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

Minoxidil helps hair growth by activating the β-catenin pathway.

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

Minoxidil and finasteride treat hair loss in men, while minoxidil treats hair loss in women.

research Human Hair Follicles Contain Two Forms of ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channels, Only One Sensitive to Minoxidil

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49 citations , January 1980 in “Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology”

Minoxidil doesn't increase pericardial disorder risk, but may cause fluid accumulation.

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Minoxidil treats high blood pressure and side effects can be managed.

7 / 7 results

research Minoxidil Sulfotransferase Enzymatical Activity in Plants: A Novel Paradigm in Increasing Minoxidil Response in Androgenetic Alopecia

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research Tretinoin Enhances Minoxidil Response in Androgenetic Alopecia Patients by Upregulating Follicular Sulfotransferase Enzymes

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Topical minoxidil is a safe and effective treatment for hair loss caused by androgenetic alopecia.

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