Comparative Study of effectiveness of low dose Oral Minoxidil vs Topical Minoxidil (5%) in Male Androgenetic Alopecia.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66344/jpad.v36i1.3327Keywords:
Androgenetic alopecia, Hair Growth Satisfaction Scale, Kaplan-Meier analysis, Low dose oral minoxidil, Minoxidil therapy, Norwood-Hamilton scaleAbstract
Background: AGA affects approximately half of men up to the age of 50 years. Traditional modalities include topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, but these have many drawbacks due to poor compliance and potential side adverse effects. LDOM has demonstrated some promise in AGA treatment. Aim: This study aimed to compare the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction of 5% topical minoxidil (1 ml twice daily) versus low-dose oral minoxidil (2.5 mg daily) in men with AGA. Methodology: A total of 100 males with AGA were randomly treated with topical and oral minoxidil in this open trial that lasted for six months at the department of dermatology of a tertiary institution. Various parameters were measured under baseline, such as medical history, physical exams, ECG, and lab work. Efficacy, safety, and satisfaction were analyzed by t-tests, ANOVA, descriptive statistics, and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Result: The increase in hair density was 45% with oral minoxidil, which was higher compared with 38% for topical minoxidil, and levels of patient satisfaction also were higher (72% vs. 65%). Mild adverse effects were noted for both groups: 10% hypertension with oral minoxidil and 15% scalp irritation with topical minoxidil. The levels of compliance were higher with the oral regimen (90% vs. 80%). Conclusion: Low-dose oral minoxidil was more effective and convenient than topical minoxidil, leading to faster hair regrowth, higher satisfaction, and fewer local side effects. It may be a better long-term option for managing androgenetic alopecia.References
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