Role Of Oral Minoxidil In The Treatment Of Androgenetic Alopecia

    February 2024 in “ Cosmoderma
    T. S. S. Lakshmi, Gogineni Sathvika
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    TLDR Low-dose oral minoxidil can help treat male and female pattern hair loss, especially in those who can't use topical treatments or have heart health issues.
    The document discusses the role of oral minoxidil in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA), a condition characterized by progressive hair thinning. While topical minoxidil and oral finasteride are FDA-approved treatments for AGA, their use is limited due to side effects. Oral minoxidil, initially used to treat severe hypertension, was found to cause hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth) in about 80% of patients. Recent studies have explored the use of low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM, less than 5 mg daily) for treating various forms of alopecia. Minoxidil acts as a vasodilator, increasing blood flow to hair follicles, and also has anti-fibrotic activity. It is almost completely absorbed when taken orally, with peak plasma levels reached within 1 hour. The document also provides dosage guidelines for male and female pattern hair loss, contraindications, drug interactions, and potential adverse effects. It concludes that LDOM can benefit patients with female and male pattern hair loss who have no cardiac comorbidities, young adults with moderate patterned hair loss, and those with low compliance or no response to topical minoxidil.
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      community Been on Min and Fin for Years and I am Devastated.

      in Treatment  64 upvotes 3 years ago
      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.

      community Comparison of options: topical vs medication

      in Female  1 upvotes 1 year ago
      A user diagnosed with AGA is seeking advice on hair loss treatments, comparing topical Minoxidil, Spironolactone, and Finasteride to oral medications and natural methods like dermastamping, PRP, and LED light. They are concerned about side effects and effectiveness, especially given their existing fatigue.

      community 1 month Pyrilutamide. A non responders story to everything.

      in Research/Science  218 upvotes 2 years ago
      My hairline, I am only 23. This conversation is about a user's experience with treatments for androgenic alopecia, including finasteride, dutasteride, RU, minoxidil, progesterone, melatonin, LLLT, oral minoxidil, and Pyrilutamide. They have tried many treatments over the course of two years without seeing much success, and they are considering getting a hair system as a last resort.

      community New 2025 study: high dose oral minoxidil (up to 10mg)

      in Research/Science  80 upvotes 2 weeks ago
      High-dose oral minoxidil (>5 mg/day) can increase hair density in some men with androgenetic alopecia, but side effects like extra body hair and heart issues are common. Gradual dose increase is advised, but adverse effects may lead to discontinuation or dose adjustments.

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