Comparative Efficacy of Oral Minoxidil and Topical Minoxidil in Treating Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

April 2025 in “ Journal of Pioneering Medical Science ”

Waleed Khalid Z Alghuyaythat, Waleed Alsalhi, Rawan mousa Altamimi, Nisreen Oudah Alqarni, Shuruq Talea Asiri, Enas Mubarak Al Hadi, Sarah Saeed Aldughar, Dana Saud Aldhupiapan

oral minoxidil topical minoxidil androgenetic alopecia hypertrichosis tachycardia scalp pruritus Rogaine

TLDR Topical minoxidil is safer and improves hair density better than oral minoxidil.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of oral versus topical minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia, including four studies. It found no significant difference in hair growth promotion between the two forms, with an odds ratio of 2.23 and a p-value of 0.11. However, oral minoxidil had a higher incidence of adverse events, such as hypertrichosis, tachycardia, and scalp pruritus, with an odds ratio of 3.33 and a p-value of 0.006. Both treatments were effective, but topical minoxidil resulted in better hair density improvement and fewer side effects.

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community Study Shows That Oral Minoxidil Is Not Only Good At Improving Hair But Also Reducing Arterial Stiffness And Preventing Other Health Problems

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in Female 1 upvotes 11 months ago

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community Been on Min and Fin for Years and I am Devastated.

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Guyman567 has been using oral finasteride and topical minoxidil for years but continues to experience hair loss and thinning, which has affected his confidence. He has tried various treatments including topical finasteride, microneedling, and vitamins, and is considering a hair transplant but is concerned about ongoing hair loss.

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research Contact Dermatitis Caused by Topical Minoxidil: Allergy or Just Irritation

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Accurate diagnosis is crucial to distinguish between allergy and irritation from topical minoxidil.

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research Minoxidil Sulfotransferase Enzymatical Activity in Plants: A Novel Paradigm in Increasing Minoxidil Response in Androgenetic Alopecia

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