A Retrospective Study on the Safety of Systemic Minoxidil for Hair Loss in the Older Population

This retrospective study evaluated the safety of systemic minoxidil for hair loss in an older population (aged 60 and above), involving 42 patients. It found that 19% of participants experienced adverse events, with facial and body hypertrichosis being the most common. These adverse effects were effectively managed through dose reduction, leg elevation, salt restriction, and diuretics, with only 2 patients discontinuing minoxidil. Importantly, no serious adverse events were reported. The study suggests that while no diagnostic evaluation is necessary for healthy older patients, caution is advised when prescribing systemic minoxidil to those on multiple antihypertensive medications or at risk for cardiovascular events.