Role Of Oral Minoxidil In The Treatment Of Androgenetic Alopecia

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.