Oral Minoxidil 5 mg Versus Minoxidil 5% Topical Solution for the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

This double-blind randomized clinical trial compared the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of oral minoxidil 5 mg/day versus topical minoxidil 5% solution in 90 men with male androgenetic alopecia (AAG) over 24 weeks. The study found no significant difference in hair density changes between the oral and topical groups, although oral minoxidil showed superior results in the vertex area based on photographic analysis. The most common adverse effect was hypertrichosis, reported by 49% of the oral group and 25% of the topical group. Both treatments were well-tolerated, with no significant differences in heart rate or blood pressure changes. Oral minoxidil may be a viable option for patients who are intolerant or non-adherent to topical minoxidil.