Was the study done with topical or oral minoxidil (oral minoxidil)?

Studies on Minoxidil for Hair Loss Used Topical Formulation, Not Oral

Based on the evidence provided, the studies referenced in the original context were conducted using topical minoxidil 5%, not oral minoxidil. 1

Evidence from Treatment Protocols

The guideline clearly states that the minoxidil arm in the studies used:

• "Topical minoxidil 5% at 1 mL twice day for 6 months" 1
• Multiple studies compared PRP with topical minoxidil, not oral minoxidil

Topical vs. Oral Minoxidil Differences

While both formulations are used for hair loss treatment, they differ significantly:

1. Standard Formulation:

   • Topical minoxidil 5% is the FDA-approved standard treatment 2
   • Oral minoxidil is used off-label at low doses for hair loss 3, 4

2. Efficacy Comparison:

   • Recent studies show comparable efficacy between oral and topical minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia 3, 5
   • One study found "no significant difference between the two groups" in hair density improvement 3
   • Meta-analysis concluded "the efficacy of oral minoxidil is comparable to that of topical minoxidil" 5

3. Administration Differences:

   • Topical: Applied directly to scalp at 1 mL twice daily 2
   • Oral: Typically used at 1-5 mg daily doses 6, 4

Clinical Considerations

• The American Academy of Dermatology recommends topical minoxidil 5% as a first-line treatment for hair regrowth 7
• Topical minoxidil requires proper application directly to the scalp twice daily for effectiveness 2
• Oral minoxidil at low doses (1-5 mg) has emerged as an alternative for patients with poor compliance to topical application 4

Side Effect Profile

• Topical minoxidil side effects: scalp irritation, unwanted hair growth in adjacent areas 2
• Oral minoxidil side effects: hypertrichosis (93% of patients), pedal edema (10%), potential cardiovascular effects 6

In conclusion, the studies referenced in the original context specifically used topical minoxidil 5%, not oral minoxidil, though recent research suggests both formulations have comparable efficacy for treating androgenetic alopecia.