Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil for Androgenetic Alopecia Is Not Associated with Significant Changes in Alcohol Consumption: A Retrospective Study of 21,971 Patients

January 2025 in “ Skin Appendage Disorders ”

Michael M. Ong, Zachary Neubauer, Shari R. Lipner

low-dose oral minoxidil androgenetic alopecia LDOM

TLDR Low-dose oral minoxidil does not significantly change alcohol consumption.

A retrospective study of 21,971 patients using Epic's Cosmos database examined the impact of low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) on alcohol consumption in individuals with androgenetic alopecia. The study compared average daily alcohol intake 6 months before and after LDOM initiation and found no significant change (0.264 vs. 0.260 drinks/day, p = 0.72). These findings suggest that LDOM does not significantly affect alcohol consumption or exacerbate hangover symptoms, providing reassurance to patients. However, prospective studies are recommended for further validation.

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August 2023 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

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