Minoxidil: A Comprehensive Review

July 2021 in “ Journal of Dermatological Treatment ”

Anik Gupta, Mamunur Rashid Talukder, M. Venkataraman, Mary A Bamimore

minoxidil androgenetic alopecia topical minoxidil Rogaine

TLDR Minoxidil effectively treats hair loss, especially androgenetic alopecia, but needs more research for better understanding.

This document is a compilation of various summaries and reviews of minoxidil, a medication used to treat hair loss. The majority of the reviews conclude that minoxidil is a safe and effective treatment for hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia, with topical minoxidil being the most commonly used form. The document also highlights the importance of proper patient selection, dosing, and monitoring to achieve optimal results and minimize adverse effects. Some reviews suggest that more research is needed to fully understand minoxidil's mechanisms and potential side effects, and to optimize its use.

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79 / 79 results

research How Safe Is Prescribing Oral Minoxidil in Patients Allergic to Topical Minoxidil?

8 citations , February 2022 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Oral minoxidil is a reasonably safe alternative for patients allergic to the topical form.

research Safety of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss: A Multicenter Study of 1404 Patients

39 citations , June 2021 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Low-dose oral minoxidil safely treats hair loss, with hypertrichosis as main side effect.

research Review of Oral Minoxidil as Treatment of Hair Disorders: In Search of the Perfect Dose

21 citations , March 2021

Oral minoxidil effectively treats hair loss, with women needing lower doses (0.25 to 2.5 mg daily) and men needing higher doses (1.25 to 5 mg daily).

research Efficacy and Safety of a New 10% Topical Minoxidil Versus 5% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Trichoscopic Evaluation

14 citations , February 2021 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

10% minoxidil solution better promotes hair growth and reduces hair loss without significant side effects.

research Minoxidil Sulfotransferase Enzyme (SULT1A1) Genetic Variants Predict Response to Oral Minoxidil Treatment for Female Pattern Hair Loss

7 citations , January 2021 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Genetic variants affect minoxidil hair loss treatment success.

research A Novel Topical Combination of Minoxidil and Spironolactone for Androgenetic Alopecia: Clinical, Histopathological, and Physicochemical Study

10 citations , January 2021 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Minoxidil and spironolactone combo effectively treats androgenetic alopecia, improving hair density and diameter.

research Efficacy and Safety of Oral Minoxidil 5 mg Once Daily in the Treatment of Male Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: An Open-Label and Global Photographic Assessment

24 citations , September 2020 in “Dermatology and therapy”

Oral minoxidil 5 mg daily increases hair growth safely in men with hair loss, with minor side effects.

research Targeting Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway for Developing Therapies for Hair Loss

86 citations , July 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

Activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway could lead to new hair loss treatments.

research Efficacy and Safety of Very-Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil 1.25 mg in Male Androgenetic Alopecia

19 citations , May 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Low-dose oral minoxidil improves hair growth in male hair loss.

research Migration Inhibitory Factor in Conditioned Medium from Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Stimulates Hair Growth

19 citations , May 2020 in “Cells”

Substance from human umbilical cord blood cells promotes hair growth.

research Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss with Sublingual Minoxidil: A Retrospective Case-Series of 64 Patients

16 citations , May 2020 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Sublingual minoxidil effectively treats hair loss with mild side effects.

research At The Crossroads Of Two Alopecias: Androgenetic Alopecia Pattern Of Hair Regrowth In Patients With Alopecia Areata Treated With Oral Janus Kinase Inhibitors

4 citations , May 2020 in “JAAD case reports”

JAK inhibitors help hair regrowth but not fully effective for androgenetic alopecia.

research Dihydrotestosterone Regulates Hair Growth Through the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in C57BL/6 Mice and In Vitro Organ Culture

23 citations , January 2020 in “Frontiers in Pharmacology”

Dihydrotestosterone affects hair growth by changing the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, with low levels helping and high levels hindering growth.

research Exploring the Potential of Minoxidil Tretinoin Liposomal-Based Hydrogel for Topical Delivery in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

15 citations , January 2020 in “Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology”

Minoxidil tretinoin liposomal based hydrogel shows promise for effective treatment of hair loss by delivering both drugs at the same time.

research Minoxidil 1 mg Oral Versus Minoxidil 5% Topical Solution for the Treatment of Female-Pattern Hair Loss: A Randomized Clinical Trial

53 citations , January 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Oral minoxidil and topical minoxidil 5% both effectively improve female-pattern hair loss with safe side effects.

research Very-Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Study with Quantitative Trichoscopic Documentation

24 citations , January 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Low-dose oral minoxidil improved or stabilized hair loss in some patients, but higher doses may be needed for significant effects.

research Oral Minoxidil Bio-Activation by Hair Follicle Outer Root Sheath Cell Sulfotransferase Enzymes Predicts Clinical Efficacy in Female Pattern Hair Loss

9 citations , January 2020 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Minoxidil activation by hair enzymes predicts treatment success for female hair loss.

research Effectiveness and Safety of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil in Male Androgenetic Alopecia

52 citations , August 2019 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Low-dose oral minoxidil effectively improves male hair loss with mild side effects.

research Advances in Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy in Androgenic Alopecia and Hair Loss: Wnt Pathway, Growth Factor, and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Signaling Impact Analysis on Cell Growth and Hair Follicle Development

136 citations , May 2019 in “Cells”

Stem cell therapy, particularly using certain types of cells, shows promise for treating hair loss by stimulating hair growth and development, but more extensive trials are needed to confirm these findings.

research Tretinoin Enhances Minoxidil Response in Androgenetic Alopecia Patients by Upregulating Follicular Sulfotransferase Enzymes

8 citations , May 2019 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Tretinoin boosts minoxidil's effect on hair loss by increasing enzyme activity.

research Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Alopecia: A Comprehensive Review

40 citations , February 2019 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Some alternative treatments for hair loss might work, but more research is needed.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review of the Literature and Proposed Treatment Protocol

45 citations , February 2019 in “International Journal of Women's Dermatology”

PRP shows promise for hair loss treatment, with three initial monthly injections and maintenance every 3-6 months.

research A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Solution of 0.25% Finasteride Admixed with 3% Minoxidil vs. 3% Minoxidil Solution in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

43 citations , December 2018 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Finasteride and minoxidil mix works better for hair growth than minoxidil alone, with similar safety.

research Low-Dose Daily Aspirin Reduces Topical Minoxidil Efficacy in Androgenetic Alopecia Patients

12 citations , November 2018 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Daily low-dose aspirin lowers minoxidil's effectiveness for hair loss treatment.

research Case Series of Oral Minoxidil for Androgenetic and Traction Alopecia: Tolerability and the Five C’s of Oral Therapy

36 citations , September 2018 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Oral minoxidil helps hair growth, is cost-effective, and mostly well-tolerated.

research Minoxidil Downregulates Interleukin-1 Alpha Gene Expression in HaCaT Cells

16 citations , January 2018 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Minoxidil may help treat hair loss by reducing inflammation-related gene activity in skin cells.

research Treatment of Chronic Telogen Effluvium with Oral Minoxidil: A Retrospective Study

40 citations , September 2017 in “F1000Research”

Oral minoxidil effectively reduces hair shedding in women with CTE, with no major side effects.

research A Comparative Study of Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma Plus Topical Minoxidil (5%) and Topical Minoxidil (5%) Alone in Androgenetic Alopecia

48 citations , January 2017 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma and minoxidil improves hair growth more than just minoxidil in men with hair loss.

research Extended Hair Transplant: Combination of Two Techniques

1 citations , January 2017 in “Journal of Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery”

Combining FUT and FUE hair transplant methods in one session provides more grafts and higher patient satisfaction.

research Effect of Minoxidil Topical Foam on Frontotemporal and Vertex Androgenetic Alopecia in Men: A 104-Week Open-Label Clinical Trial

20 citations , July 2016 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Minoxidil foam promotes hair growth and reduces hair loss safely in men.

research Management of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Comparative Clinical Study Between Plasma Rich in Growth Factors and Topical Minoxidil

8 citations , January 2016 in “European Journal of Plastic Surgery”

PRGF treatment is safer and more effective for hair loss than topical minoxidil.

research Repeated Microneedle Stimulation Induces Enhanced Hair Growth in a Murine Model

55 citations , January 2016 in “Annals of Dermatology”

Microneedle stimulation can increase hair growth in mice.

research A Single-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of Minoxidil Topical Foam in Frontotemporal and Vertex Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

19 citations , March 2015 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

Minoxidil foam effectively promotes hair growth and reduces hair loss in men.

research A 3-Month, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Ability of an Extra-Strength Marine Protein Supplement to Promote Hair Growth and Decrease Shedding in Women with Self-Perceived Thinning Hair

22 citations , January 2015 in “Dermatology Research and Practice”

An extra-strength marine protein supplement helped increase hair growth and decrease hair shedding in women with thinning hair.

research Novel Enzymatic Assay Predicts Minoxidil Response in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

27 citations , May 2014 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

New test predicts if hair loss treatment will work.

research Scalp Micropigmentation: A Medical Tattoo Process for Hair Loss

24 citations , August 2013 in “Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America”

SMP is a medical tattoo for hair loss, improving appearance and camouflaging scars, but requires skill and has limitations.

research Cell-Based Treatments for Hair Loss: Research Update on Hair Cloning

2 citations , March 2013 in “Hair transplant forum international”

Research on "hair cloning" for hair loss shows potential for hair thickening but has not yet achieved new hair growth in humans.

research Role of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia

10 citations , October 2012 in “International Journal of Trichology”

PRP helps hair growth in common hair loss disorder.

research A Randomized, Single-Blind Trial of 5% Minoxidil Foam Once Daily Versus 2% Minoxidil Solution Twice Daily in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

100 citations , December 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% minoxidil foam once daily works as well as 2% minoxidil solution twice daily for female hair growth and is more convenient.

research Minoxidil Activates β-Catenin Pathway in Human Dermal Papilla Cells: A Possible Explanation for Its Anagen Prolongation Effect

88 citations , June 2011 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

Minoxidil helps hair growth by activating the β-catenin pathway.

research Hair Growth and Rejuvenation: An Overview

81 citations , June 2010 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

The document concludes that minoxidil and finasteride are proven for hair growth, herbal remedies show promise, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

research Hair Restoration Surgery in Asians

10 citations , January 2010 in “Springer eBooks”

Asian hair restoration surgery requires different methods due to the unique characteristics of Asian hair, such as its sparseness and coarseness.

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

29 citations , August 2009 in “Journal of Dermatology”

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

research Medical Treatments for Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

212 citations , October 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil and finasteride treat hair loss in men, while minoxidil treats hair loss in women.

research Human Hair Follicles Contain Two Forms of ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channels, Only One Sensitive to Minoxidil

102 citations , June 2008 in “The FASEB Journal”

One minoxidil-sensitive potassium channel exists in human hair follicles.

research A Review of Modern Surgical Hair Restoration Techniques

27 citations , January 2008 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

Modern hair restoration techniques have evolved from punch grafting to methods like micro-grafting and follicular unit transplantation, but they are labor-intensive, expensive, and can lead to patient dissatisfaction. Future treatments may involve cloned hair follicles and drugs like finasteride.

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 , November 2007 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

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

research Bioengineering the Hair Follicle

26 citations , January 2007 in “Organogenesis”

Bioengineering can potentially treat hair loss by regenerating hair follicles and cloning hair, but the process is complex and needs more research.

research Follicular Cell Implantation: An Update on Hair Follicle Cloning

15 citations , May 2004 in “Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America”

The document concludes that while "hair follicle cloning" shows promise for unlimited donor hair, it faces challenges with consistency and safety in humans.

research A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil Solutions in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

219 citations , April 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% and 2% minoxidil solutions effectively promote hair growth and reduce hair loss, with 5% being slightly more effective but having more side effects.

research An Open, Randomized, Comparative Study of Oral Finasteride and 5% Topical Minoxidil in Male Androgenetic Alopecia

71 citations , January 2004 in “Dermatology”

Oral finasteride works better than topical minoxidil for hair growth, both are safe.

research Minoxidil vs Finasteride in the Treatment of Men With Androgenetic Alopecia

40 citations , September 2003 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Finasteride slightly better long-term, minoxidil faster initial results, but stopping minoxidil may cause hair loss.

research A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

269 citations , September 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% minoxidil works better for hair growth and density, with minor irritation.

research Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Topical Minoxidil Solution: Etiology and Treatment

123 citations , February 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil can cause skin allergy; use alternative solvents or treatments if allergic.

research Minoxidil Increases 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase and 5α-Reductase Activity in Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells from Balding Scalp

34 citations , February 1999 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

Minoxidil boosts enzymes that help hair growth.

research Minoxidil Upregulates the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Human Hair Dermal Papilla Cells

192 citations , March 1998 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil boosts growth factor in hair cells, potentially promoting hair growth.

research Sulfation of Minoxidil by Multiple Human Cytosolic Sulfotransferases

59 citations , February 1998 in “Chemico-Biological Interactions”

Minoxidil breakdown varies by enzymes, affecting hair loss treatment effectiveness.

research Ketoconazole Shampoo: Effect of Long-Term Use in Androgenic Alopecia

92 citations , January 1998 in “Dermatology”

Ketoconazole shampoo improves hair growth and reduces oil similarly to minoxidil in male pattern hair loss.

research Minoxidil Sulfation in the Hair Follicle

32 citations , January 1994 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

Minoxidil helps hair growth by activating enzymes in hair follicles.

research Localization of Minoxidil Sulfotransferase in Rat Liver and the Outer Root Sheath of Anagen Pelage and Vibrissa Follicles

46 citations , January 1991 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil works in liver and outer hair root sheath for hair growth.

research Minoxidil Sulfate Is the Active Metabolite That Stimulates Hair Follicles

166 citations , November 1990 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil sulfate stimulates hair growth.

research The Effect of Topical Minoxidil on Hair Follicular Cycles of Rats

53 citations , May 1990 in “Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil speeds up hair growth in rats without prolonging growth phase.

research Five-Year Follow-Up of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Treated with Topical Minoxidil

70 citations , April 1990 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil treatment increased hair growth for up to 5 years, requiring twice daily application.

research Topical Minoxidil Used Before and After Hair Transplantation

27 citations , January 1989 in “The Journal of dermatologic surgery and oncology”

Using topical minoxidil before and after hair transplant surgery can reduce shedding and improve hair regrowth.

research The History of the Development of Minoxidil

23 citations , October 1988 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

Minoxidil was first made for high blood pressure, but it was later found to help hair growth.

research Topical Minoxidil in Androgenetic Alopecia: Scandinavian and Middle East Experience

11 citations , July 1988 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

The study found that using 2% minoxidil solution can help grow hair and is safe.

research Selective Inhibition by Minoxidil of Prostacyclin Production by Cells in Culture

23 citations , March 1988 in “Biochemical Pharmacology”

Minoxidil stops cells from making prostacyclin, which may help with hair growth. More research is needed.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Treatment Results with Topical Minoxidil

39 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Topical minoxidil is a safe and effective treatment for hair loss caused by androgenetic alopecia.

research Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Evaluation of Topical Minoxidil in Extensive Alopecia Areata

104 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil helps hair growth in 63.6% of alopecia patients, with 27.3% having excellent results.

research Action of Topical Minoxidil in the Bald Stump-Tailed Macaque

78 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil promotes hair growth but stops working when discontinued.

research Use of Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Male Pattern Baldness

53 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil effectively regrows hair in male pattern baldness.

research Topical Minoxidil Solution (1% and 5%) in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

101 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil solution helps hair regrowth in alopecia areata, with 5% being more effective.

research Dose-Response Study of Topical Minoxidil in Male Pattern Alopecia

24 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil 1% and 2% best promote hair growth and may prevent hair loss.

research Topical Minoxidil for Hair Growth in Alopecia Areata and Androgenetica

24 citations , February 1987 in “Drugs”

Minoxidil promotes hair regrowth, but more research needed for effectiveness and response factors.

research Topical Tretinoin for Hair Growth Promotion

73 citations , October 1986 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Tretinoin may help hair growth and works better when combined with minoxidil.

research Dose-Response Study of Topical Minoxidil in Male Pattern Baldness

58 citations , July 1986 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Lowest effective minoxidil concentration is 1%, but 2% works better for male pattern baldness.

research Topically Applied Minoxidil in Baldness

26 citations , March 1985 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil helps hair growth, but results vary.

research Percutaneous Absorption of Minoxidil in Humans

52 citations , February 1985 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Minoxidil absorbs poorly through skin, with low risk of side effects at 1-2% concentration.

research Minoxidil: A Review of Its Pharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Use

96 citations , October 1981 in “Drugs”

Minoxidil effectively treats severe hypertension but may cause side effects, so careful monitoring is needed.

7 / 7 results

research Minoxidil: A Comprehensive Review

16 citations , July 2021 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

Minoxidil effectively treats hair loss, especially androgenetic alopecia, but needs more research for better understanding.

research A Case of Contact Allergic Dermatitis to Topical Minoxidil

7 citations , January 2021 in “Cureus”

A woman had an allergic skin reaction to a hair loss treatment containing minoxidil and should not use it.

research Disorders of Hair

July 2013 in “DeckerMed Medicine”

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