Topically Applied Minoxidil in Baldness

March 1985 in “ International Journal of Dermatology ”

E. Novak, Thomas Franz, John T. Headington, Ronald C. Wester

minoxidil topical minoxidil alopecia areata androgenetic alopecia Rogaine

From the encyclopedia

Minoxidil →

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Alopecia Areata →

autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss

Studysummary Minoxidil helps hair growth, but results vary.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

This 1985 article discusses the use of topically applied minoxidil for hair growth in patients with baldness. Clinical studies showed some evidence of hair growth stimulation, but the results were delayed and variable among patients. Ongoing clinical trials were being conducted with topical minoxidil in patients with alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia.

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Research cited in this study

7 / 7 results

Minoxidil Stimulates Cutaneous Blood Flow in Human Balding Scalps: Pharmacodynamics Measured by Laser Doppler Velocimetry and Photopulse Plethysmography

research Minoxidil Stimulates Cutaneous Blood Flow in Human Balding Scalps: Pharmacodynamics Measured by Laser Doppler Velocimetry and Photopulse Plethysmography

137 citations , May 1984 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil increases blood flow in balding scalps, possibly reversing hair loss.

research Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

80 citations , October 1983 in “BMJ”

This study found that 1% topical minoxidil induced significant hair regrowth in patients with alopecia areata, though it was less effective for those with extensive hair loss such as alopecia totalis and universalis.

research Topical Minoxidil in Alopecia Areata

56 citations , August 1981 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in alopecia areata safely.

research Hypertrichosis Due to Minoxidil

45 citations , November 1979 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This report describes a case of hypertrichosis associated with minoxidil use and suggests that nearly all patients on this drug may experience this side effect.

research Minoxidil-Induced Hypertrichosis: Treatment with Calcium Thioglycolate Depilatory Agent

46 citations , April 1977 in “Southern Medical Journal”

In this study, five women with minoxidil-induced hypertrichosis achieved complete hair removal using a calcium thioglycolate depilatory agent, with minimal or no skin irritation.

research Metabolism of Minoxidil, a New Hypotensive Agent: Biotransformation Following Oral Administration to Rats, Dogs, and Monkeys

31 citations , August 1975 in “Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences”

This study found that different species metabolized minoxidil into various products, with monkeys and humans showing similar profiles primarily excreting a glucuronide conjugate, while rats and dogs showed distinct differences.

research Pharmacokinetic Studies of Minoxidil

90 citations , May 1972 in “Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics”

Minoxidil quickly leaves blood, turns into urine metabolites, and has lasting blood pressure-lowering effects.