Role of oral minoxidil in patterned hair loss

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that low-dose oral minoxidil (OM) can be a safe and effective treatment of numerous hair disorders including male-patterned hair loss (MPHL) and female-patterned hair loss (FPHL). There are several practical advantages of OM over its topical formulation: enhanced cosmesis, cost-savings, and the possibility of co-therapy with other topical formulations or topicals used for camouflage. This treatment may be particularly helpful for patients who are unable to tolerate topical minoxidil or other systemic treatments. Doses ranging from 0.25 to 1.25 mg daily are usually used for FPHL and doses ranging from 2.5 to 5 mg/day for MPHL. The low side-effect profile of low-dose OM allows for long-term adherence to the medication and favorable clinical response, resulting in stabilization and improvement of hair loss. More studies are needed to test the efficacy of OM in other types of alopecia as well as additional comparative studies assessing OM to other commonly used medications.

Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil for Alopecia: A Comprehensive Review

“…Furthermore, two other studies also confirmed the safety and efficacy of LDOM in young patients with alopecia [55, 56]. Nonetheless, further studies are required to establish the safety and efficacy of LDOM use in pediatric patients [47].…”

“…LDOM-associated side effects can be categorized into two groups: predictable, dose-dependent side effects (type A) and unpredictable, idiosyncratic reactions (type B) Table 3. Recommended dosage regimen, monitoring guidelines, contraindication, warnings, and management of side effects LDOM in treating male and female AGA [33,[47][48][49] Expert opinion-1 (AS) Expert opinion-2 (BMP) Expert opinion-3 (AT)…”

“…Table 3 displays the dosage regimens of oral minoxidil recommended by some authors for treating FPHL and male AGA [33,[47][48][49]. Since the use of oral minoxidil for treating AGA lacks FDA approval, the recommended dosage regimens show variability.…”

Dermatologists’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Pattern Toward Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil in Hair Loss in Saudi Arabia

“…This can be attributed to various factors including undesired changes in hair texture, scalp irritation, unpleasant odor of the formulation, the development of allergies to minoxidil or its excipients, and the requirement to apply the medication twice daily. 5 …”

“…Recently, there has been a notable increase in the use of LDOM as a treatment choice for a diverse range of hair disorders, specifically targeting patterned hair loss (PHL). 5 This approach is gaining popularity due to its proven safety, efficacy, and favorable tolerability, making it a reliable therapeutic option. 1 , 6 This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns of dermatologists in Saudi Arabia regarding the utilization of LDOM for hair loss management.…”