Comparative Study of Effectiveness of Low Dose Oral Minoxidil vs Topical Minoxidil (5%) in Male Androgenetic Alopecia

A study involving 100 males with androgenetic alopecia compared the efficacy and safety of 5% topical minoxidil versus low-dose oral minoxidil (2.5 mg daily) over six months. Results showed that oral minoxidil led to a 45% increase in hair density, compared to 38% with topical minoxidil, and had higher patient satisfaction (72% vs. 65%). Oral minoxidil also had higher compliance (90% vs. 80%) and fewer local side effects, though it did cause mild hypertension in 10% of participants. The study concluded that low-dose oral minoxidil is more effective and convenient, making it a potentially better long-term treatment for androgenetic alopecia.