The Use of Minoxidil in Diseases Associated with Hair Loss
January 2022
in “
Przegla̧d dermatologiczny
”
Studysummary This article reviews the use of minoxidil for alopecia treatment and finds that low-dose oral or topical forms can be effective with manageable side effects, although some patients may still experience them.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The use of minoxidil, a drug originally used to treat hypertension, has been explored for its potential in treating hair loss conditions. Minoxidil has a vasodilatory effect and can stimulate the onset and prolongation of the anagen phase of hair growth. It is available in various forms for topical or oral treatment. Side effects are present in 15-20% of patients but are generally tolerable. Common side effects of topical use include itching, erythema, and scaling, while oral use may cause hypertrichosis of the facial skin, dizziness, and swelling of the lower limbs. Minoxidil shows promise in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, and alopecia areata.
