Comparative Clinical Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Topical 5% Cetosomal Minoxidil and Topical 5% Alcohol-Based Minoxidil Solutions for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Indian Men

The study compared the safety and effectiveness of 5% cetosomal minoxidil solution and 5% alcohol-based minoxidil solution in treating androgenetic alopecia in Indian men. Out of 80 patients, 40 completed the study. The cetosomal minoxidil group showed a 52% increase in hair growth, 39% improvement according to the BASP grading system, and 83% reported positive hair growth on the global photography assessment. The alcohol-based group showed 24% increase in hair growth, 29% improvement according to the BASP grading system, and 59% reported positive hair growth on the global photography assessment. Adverse events were reported by 9% of patients in the cetosomal group and 41% in the alcohol-based group. The study concluded that the cetosomal minoxidil group showed improved safety but similar efficacy, making it a better option for treating AGA in males who are sensitive or nontolerant to alcoholic formulations. However, the study had limitations, including a small sample size and lack of hair density assessments, suggesting the need for larger, long-term clinical trials.