Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil for Treating Alopecia: A 3-Year North American Retrospective Case Series

This retrospective case series analyzed the use of low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) for treating alopecia over a 3-year period in North American patients. A total of 74 patients were prescribed 1.25mg LDOM nightly for at least three months, with an average treatment duration of 10 months across patients who continued therapy. The follow-up rate was 72%, and 84% of those who started the treatment requested re-prescription. Increased scalp hair growth was reported in 65% of patients (33/51), and decreased hair shedding was observed in 27% (14/51). The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with no new cardiac diagnoses or morbidity reported. Side effects included hypertrichosis, which led to an increased dosage in some patients. The study concluded that LDOM is a convenient, cost-effective, and well-tolerated treatment option for alopecia, with a notable efficacy in increasing hair growth, particularly in the crown region of the scalp.