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

The study compared the efficacy and safety of twice-daily applications of cetirizine 1% and minoxidil 5% solutions over 16 weeks in treating male androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in 40 men aged 18 to 49 years. Both treatments significantly increased total and vellus hair density, with minoxidil showing a higher improvement. The percentage of hair in the anagen phase increased in both groups after 16 weeks but decreased after an 8-week placebo phase. No significant adverse reactions were reported for cetirizine. The study concluded that cetirizine 1% solution was effective in promoting hair growth without complications for male AGA.