Gender Differences in Adverse Effects and Dosing Practices of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Retrospective Analysis of 310 Patients

A retrospective analysis of 310 patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) using low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) revealed that 14.9% experienced adverse events (AEs), such as dizziness/lightheadedness, hypertrichosis, and extremity edema. Females were more likely to experience AEs, although gender differences were not significant after subgroup analysis. Higher doses increased the risk of dizziness/lightheadedness. The study suggests that patients are often started on inappropriately high doses, leading to regimen changes. It recommends starting with lower doses and gradually increasing as tolerated, particularly counseling female patients about their higher risk of AEs.