Is Minoxidil Efficacious and Safe for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men, and If So, What Is the Optimal Strength and Means of Delivery?

January 2014

Anhthu P. Pickart

minoxidil androgenetic alopecia tretinoin Rogaine

TLDR 5% minoxidil is safe and effective for treating male hair loss.

The review analyzed three double-blind randomized controlled trials to assess the efficacy and safety of minoxidil for treating androgenetic alopecia in men aged 18-49. The studies found that 5% minoxidil, whether in foam or solution form, applied twice daily, was effective and safe compared to placebo or 1% minoxidil. Additionally, the combination of 5% minoxidil with 0.01% tretinoin used once daily showed potential for similar efficacy without significant adverse effects. Overall, 5% minoxidil was concluded to be a safe and effective treatment for male AGA.

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Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing 5% and 1% Topical Minoxidil for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Japanese Men

29 citations, July 2009 in “Journal of Dermatology”

5% minoxidil works better for hair growth than 1% minoxidil.

A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial of a Novel Formulation of 5% Minoxidil Topical Foam Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial of a Novel Formulation of 5% Minoxidil Topical Foam Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

142 citations, August 2007 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

New 5% minoxidil foam effectively promotes hair growth and is safe for use.

research Efficacy of 5% Minoxidil Versus Combined 5% Minoxidil and 0.01% Tretinoin for Male Pattern Hair Loss

43 citations, January 2007 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

Combined minoxidil and tretinoin solution works as well as regular minoxidil for male hair loss.

Related Research

5 / 5 results

research Androgenetic Alopecia in Transgender and Gender Diverse Populations: A Review of Therapeutics

1 citations, October 2021 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

The document concludes that treatments for hair loss in transgender and gender-diverse individuals include topical solutions, oral medications, laser therapy, and hair restoration procedures, with progress assessed after 6-12 months.

research Pharmacotherapy for Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

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research Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

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research Medications and Hair Transplantation

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Minoxidil and finasteride combined can effectively treat hair loss.

research Management of Androgenetic Alopecia

40 citations, May 1999 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Treat hair loss with finasteride, minoxidil, or surgery; consider side effects and severity.

Is Minoxidil Efficacious and Safe for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men, and If So, What Is the Optimal Strength and Means of Delivery?

Research cited in this study

research Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing 5% and 1% Topical Minoxidil for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Japanese Men

research A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial of a Novel Formulation of 5% Minoxidil Topical Foam Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research Efficacy of 5% Minoxidil Versus Combined 5% Minoxidil and 0.01% Tretinoin for Male Pattern Hair Loss

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