The Requirement to Monitor Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil in the Management of Hair Loss

This study on 74 female patients treated with low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) for hair loss found that regular monitoring may not be necessary for asymptomatic patients with normal baseline values, as the treatment was generally well tolerated. The most common side effect was hypertrichosis, affecting 24.3% of participants, while systemic adverse effects were mild and manageable. Blood pressure, heart rate, and weight remained stable, with no significant changes in renal or liver function. However, closer monitoring is advised for patients with cardiovascular or renal issues. The study's limitations include its retrospective design and small sample size, but it provides valuable longitudinal data from a UK population over a period exceeding 30 months.