Oral Minoxidil Therapy in Hair Loss: Where Do We Stand?

November 2023 in “ Current Dermatology Reports ”

Ghadah Alhetheli

oral minoxidil OM androgenic alopecia AGA male pattern hair loss topical minoxidil 5α-reductase inhibitors tractional alopecia chemotherapy-induced alopecia female pattern hair loss 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors

TLDR Oral minoxidil is effective for various hair loss types and may improve male sexual function, but aspirin can reduce its effectiveness.

The review discusses the effectiveness and safety of oral minoxidil (OM) in treating various types of hair loss, including androgenic alopecia (AGA). Studies suggest that OM, in doses ranging from 0.625 to 2.5 mg daily, is effective in treating male pattern hair loss, and can be gradually increased up to 5 mg/day. OM has shown effectiveness in both sexes and in pediatric patients. It is more advantageous than topical minoxidil due to its convenience, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with adjuvant co-therapy. Unlike 5α-reductase inhibitors, which are associated with male sexual dysfunction, OM improves male sexual function due to its vasodilator effect. The document also mentions the potential of OM in treating pediatric hair diseases, tractional alopecia, chemotherapy-induced alopecia, and female pattern hair loss. However, the use of low-dose daily aspirin reduces the efficacy of topical minoxidil in androgenetic alopecia patients.

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Research cited in this study

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