Efficacy and Safety of Oral Minoxidil 5 mg in Male Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia

A non-randomized clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral minoxidil 5 mg in 30 male patients with androgenetic alopecia over 24 weeks. The study, conducted at the Lahore Medical and Dental College/Ghurki Trust and Teaching Hospital, found that oral minoxidil significantly increased hair thickness from 0.026±0.008 mm to 0.037±0.008 mm (p=0.002) and improved scalp appearance, as confirmed by global photographic assessment and patient self-assessment. Out of the initial 30 participants, 27 completed the study, with 2 discontinuing due to side effects and 1 lost to follow-up. Side effects included hypertrichosis in 77% and mild headache in 7% of patients, but all laboratory parameters remained normal. The study concluded that oral minoxidil is a safe and effective treatment for increasing hair thickness and improving appearance in patients with androgenetic alopecia.