Indications, Efficacy, and Side Effects of Oral Minoxidil: An Integrative Review

January 2023 in “ Revista Eletrônica Acervo Saúde ”

Hélio Tavares de Oliveira Neto, Livio e Vasconcelos do Egypto

Minoxidil oral Minoxidil androgenetic alopecia alopecia areata traction alopecia frontal fibrosing alopecia cicatricial alopecia telogen effluvium hypertrichosis dermatitis scalp flaking sodium retention water retention Rogaine

TLDR Oral Minoxidil effectively treats hair loss with increased hair growth as a side effect, and low doses are generally safe.

The integrative review analyzed the indications, efficacy, and side effects of oral Minoxidil, using 15 articles from various databases. Oral Minoxidil is an effective alternative for individuals intolerant to topical application, showing efficacy in treating various types of alopecia, including androgenetic, areata, traction, fibrosing frontal, and others. In men, it is particularly effective for androgenetic, areata, cicatricial alopecia, and telogen effluvium. A notable side effect is hypertrichosis, or increased hair growth. Low doses are considered safe for healthy individuals, with adverse reactions such as dermatitis, itching, scalp flaking, sodium and water retention, and weight gain, though serious side effects are rare.

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6 / 1000+ results

community C’est terrible - at my wits end

in Female 450 upvotes 2 years ago

A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.

community Recovery from a severe case of Telogen Effluvium. Nov 2023 - February 2024 (m22, Oral min & fin)

in Progress Pictures 315 upvotes 1 year ago

A user recovered from severe Telogen Effluvium using 1mg finasteride and 2.5mg oral minoxidil within four months. Another user regained 80% hair density with finasteride and minoxidil over two years, and is now trying dutasteride.

community I am a dermatologist with a clinical interest in alopecia. AMA

in Will treatment work for me? 3 years ago

In this conversation, 4990 discussed various treatments for hair loss, including oral minoxidil, PRP, transplan, Jak inhibitors, Dutasteride, Finasteride, Olumiant, Ketoconazole, RU58841, microneedling, baricitinib, and CCCA. They recommended scalp biopsies in unclear cases of DUPA, twice weekly to twice daily shampooing for topical minoxidil users, and two sessions spaced one month apart with follow up at month three to determine the effectiveness of PRP treatment.

community Big increase in miniaturization after being on finasteride for 7 years?

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 29 upvotes 10 months ago

The user experienced increased hair miniaturization and shedding despite using finasteride, topical minoxidil, microneedling, and other treatments. They are considering more aggressive treatments or a hair system if no improvement occurs by the end of 2025.

community 1.5 months Fin, 1 month min, with microneedling 😌 I’m still not where I wanna be fully but I’m getting there. Thank you all in this group for education and motivation! Don’t shave it just keep grinding 💯

in Update 495 upvotes 4 years ago

User experienced hair growth after 1.5 months using Fin, 1 month using Min, and microneedling. They use liquid Rogaine twice daily, microneedle with a .4 mm dermaroller, and take oral Fin once a day.

Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

community Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

in Research 865 upvotes 1 year ago

The treatment for androgenetic alopecia involves using finasteride and minoxidil with intense exercise and cold exposure to boost metabolism and reduce androgenic effects, potentially leading to hair regrowth. This approach may activate biological pathways for improved hair and overall health.

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