Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare the Efficacy of Oral Minoxidil 1.25 mg Versus 2.5 mg Versus Topical 5% Minoxidil in Androgenetic Alopecia

This randomized controlled trial involving 45 male patients with androgenetic alopecia compared the efficacy of oral minoxidil at doses of 1.25 mg and 2.5 mg with topical 5% minoxidil. The study found that all treatments significantly increased terminal hair count, with the 2.5 mg oral minoxidil group showing the most substantial improvement, particularly in the frontal and vertex regions. The 1.25 mg oral minoxidil group also showed significant gains, while the topical group had the least improvement. Safety assessments revealed no side effects in the 1.25 mg group, one case of hypertrichosis in the 2.5 mg group, and initial hair shedding in the topical group. The study suggests oral minoxidil, especially at 2.5 mg, may be more effective than topical minoxidil for AGA, with a favorable safety profile. Further research with larger sample sizes is recommended.