Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil Beyond Androgenetic Alopecia: A Comparative Narrative Review of Emerging Evidence

Low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) is being explored as an off-label treatment for various forms of hair loss beyond androgenetic alopecia, showing potential benefits in conditions like chronic telogen effluvium and treatment-related alopecia by improving hair density and reducing shedding. However, evidence for its efficacy in alopecia areata and scarring alopecias is limited. The most common side effect is hypertrichosis, with serious cardiovascular issues being rare. Current evidence is largely retrospective and uncontrolled, suggesting LDOM is more of a symptomatic treatment rather than a disease-modifying one. Prospective randomized trials and long-term safety studies are needed to better understand its efficacy and safety.