TLDR Low-dose oral minoxidil is an effective and safe treatment for hair loss.
Low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM), at doses under 5 mg daily, has been explored as a treatment for various forms of alopecia. Randolph and Tosti reviewed 16 studies involving 622 patients and found LDOM to be an effective and well-tolerated alternative, particularly for those who have difficulty with topical formulations. No severe cardiopulmonary adverse reactions were reported, but caution is still advised with monitoring for blood pressure, heart rate, and fluid retention. Beach et al's retrospective study of 74 patients prescribed LDOM (1.25 mg daily for at least 3 months) showed increased scalp hair growth in 65% and decreased hair shedding in 27%, with facial hypertrichosis in 43% and hypotensive symptoms in 8%. LDOM was particularly effective in patients with nonscarring alopecia. The author, Warren R. Heymann, MD, acknowledges the potential of LDOM as a reasonable alternative for many alopecia patients.
9 citations
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October 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Low-dose oral minoxidil is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for hair growth in alopecia patients.
59 citations
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July 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Oral minoxidil promotes hair growth but may cause side effects; needs monitoring.
19 citations
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June 2020 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Low-dose oral minoxidil effectively treats non-scarring hair loss with some side effects like hypertrichosis and postural hypotension.
4 citations
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January 2017 in “Indian Dermatology Online Journal” A child used a hair growth lotion for hair loss, but it caused excessive hair growth on his face and neck instead.
4 citations
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March 1991 in “Dermatitis” Minoxidil can cause skin reactions, so testing is important for those with side effects.
24 citations
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February 1987 in “Drugs” Minoxidil promotes hair regrowth, but more research needed for effectiveness and response factors.
April 1985 in “Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery” Topical minoxidil can help regrow hair in alopecia areata but is less effective for severe cases.
16 citations
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April 1984 in “Archives of Dermatology” Topical minoxidil can help hair regrowth in alopecia areata patients, but maintaining the growth after stopping treatment is inconsistent.
