An Open-Label Randomized Multicenter Study Assessing the Noninferiority of a Caffeine-Based Topical Liquid 0.2% Versus Minoxidil 5% Solution in Male Androgenetic Alopecia

January 2017 in “ Skin Pharmacology and Physiology ”

Rachita Dhurat, Jill Chitallia, Theodor W. May, Ammani M. Jayaraaman, J Madhukara, Subbu Anandan, Pradyumna Vaidya, Adolf Klenk

caffeine-based topical liquid minoxidil androgenetic alopecia hair growth hair loss Rogaine

TLDR Caffeine-based liquid 0.2% is as effective as minoxidil 5% for treating male hair loss.

A study conducted in 2017 aimed to compare the effectiveness of a caffeine-based topical liquid 0.2% to minoxidil 5% solution in treating male androgenetic alopecia. The study involved 210 male participants and found that the caffeine-based topical liquid was noninferior to minoxidil 5% solution in promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss. The caffeine-based topical liquid was also well-tolerated by the participants. The study suggests that caffeine-based topical liquid 0.2% could be a potential alternative treatment for male androgenetic alopecia.

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Research cited in this study

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research Androgenetic, Diffuse, and Senescent Alopecia in Men: Practical Evaluation and Management

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research Differential Effects of Caffeine on Hair Shaft Elongation, Matrix and Outer Root Sheath Keratinocyte Proliferation, and Transforming Growth Factor-β2/Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1-Mediated Regulation of the Hair Cycle in Male and Female Human Hair Follicles In Vitro

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research A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

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An Open-Label Randomized Multicenter Study Assessing the Noninferiority of a Caffeine-Based Topical Liquid 0.2% Versus Minoxidil 5% Solution in Male Androgenetic Alopecia

research An Open-Label Randomized Multicenter Study Assessing the Noninferiority of a Caffeine-Based Topical Liquid 0.2% Versus Minoxidil 5% Solution in Male Androgenetic Alopecia

21 citations , January 2017 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

Caffeine-based liquid 0.2% is as effective as minoxidil 5% for treating male hair loss.

An Open-Label Randomized Multicenter Study Assessing the Noninferiority of a Caffeine-Based Topical Liquid 0.2% Versus Minoxidil 5% Solution in Male Androgenetic Alopecia

Research cited in this study

research Androgenetic, Diffuse, and Senescent Alopecia in Men: Practical Evaluation and Management

research Differential Effects of Caffeine on Hair Shaft Elongation, Matrix and Outer Root Sheath Keratinocyte Proliferation, and Transforming Growth Factor-β2/Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1-Mediated Regulation of the Hair Cycle in Male and Female Human Hair Follicles In Vitro

research Caffeine’s Mechanisms of Action and Its Cosmetic Use

research Minoxidil Use in Dermatology, Side Effects, and Recent Patents

research Evidence-Based Guideline for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women and Men

research Bioengineering the Hair Follicle

research Follicular Penetration of Topically Applied Caffeine via a Shampoo Formulation

research Effect of Caffeine and Testosterone on the Proliferation of Human Hair Follicles In Vitro

research EEMCO Guidance for the Assessment of Hair Shedding and Alopecia

research A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research The Biology of Hair Follicles

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