Comparative Study of Effectiveness of Low Dose Oral Minoxidil vs Topical Minoxidil (5%) in Male Androgenetic Alopecia
March 2026
in “
Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatologists
”
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Studysummary This study found that low-dose oral minoxidil was more effective than topical minoxidil in increasing hair density and patient satisfaction among men with androgenetic alopecia, with fewer local side effects and better compliance reported over six months. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
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.
