Efficacy and safety of oral minoxidil 5 mg in male patients with androgenetic alopecia.

Objective: To determine efficacy and safety of oral minoxidil 5mg in male patients with androgenetic alopecia. Study Design: Non Randomized Clinical Trial. Setting: Department of Dermatology, Lahore Medical and Dental College/ Ghurki Trust and Teaching Hospital Lahore. Period: 14th April 2022 to 31st July 2023. Methods: It was a non-randomized clinical trial in which 30 male patients were enrolled according to inclusion criteria. Oral minoxidil 5mg once daily was given to patients for 24 weeks. This study was conducted at Department of Dermatology Lahore Medical and Dental College/ Ghurki Trust and Teaching Hospital Lahore with ethical letter no LM&DC/ 5363-64. Efficacy was measured by hair thickness, global photographic assessment and self-assessment questionnaire. Safety was measured by history, physical examination and laboratory investigations. Results: Two patients left treatment due to side effects (exacerbation of asthma and hypertrichosis) and 1 patient was lost to follow up. Therefore, total results were for 27 patients. Mean change in hair thickness was significantly increased from baseline 0.026±0.008 mm to 0.037±0.008 mm with p value 0.002 at 24 weeks. Global photographic assessment of patient’s scalp shows marked improvement. Patient self- assessment questionnaire showed satisfaction of patients with significant p value < .001. Side effects noted were hypertrichosis in 77% and mild headache in 7% patients. All laboratory parameters remained within normal range. Conclusion: Oral minoxidil is a safe and effective drug. It has significantly increased hair thickness and improved appearance in our patients.