Treatment of androgenic alopecia with topical minoxidil
Brenner, S.; Tamir, A.
Harefuah 121(9): 297-302
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-7768 PMID: 1800277 Document Number: 383659
Minoxidil, a vasodilator, was first marketed in 1979 as an oral antihypertensive. Since hypertrichosis occurred as an adverse effect in most patients treated, a 2% topical solution was developed for use in men with androgenic alopecia. It was approved by the American Food and Drug Administration and by the Israel Ministry of Health. A follow-up of 30 cases treated with the preparation is presented. Efficacy of treatment was assessed by hair counts in a marked area on the balding scalp, as well as by subjective evaluations of patients and physicians. The teratment was beneficial in 63%: balding was slowed in most, while in a minority hair density actually increased. However, in only 6.6% was dramatic cosmetic improvement achieved.