Dose-Dependent Increases in Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Associated with Oral Minoxidil but Not Dutasteride in Healthy Young Males: A Randomized Controlled Pharmacological Trial

    June 2026 in “ Preprints.org ”
    Fernando Grover-Paez, David Cardona-Müller, María G. Ramos-Zavala, Ernesto G. Cardona-Muñoz, Luis Jesús Márquez Bejarano, Mariana Larios-Cárdenas, Deyanira Gabriela Quiñones-Hernández, Jessica Aylin Moreno-Alanis, M. León Quintero-Loreto, Luis Enrique Sánchez Dueñas
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    TLDR Oral minoxidil can harm arteries at higher doses, while dutasteride may be safer.
    In a randomized controlled trial with 44 healthy young males, the effects of oral minoxidil and dutasteride on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) were assessed. The study found that a 5 mg/day dose of minoxidil significantly increased CIMT and vascular age, indicating adverse vascular changes and potential cardiovascular risks, especially at higher doses. In contrast, dutasteride showed no significant changes in CIMT, suggesting a more favorable vascular profile. These findings underscore the need for careful cardiovascular monitoring when using high-dose oral minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia.
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