Topical minoxidil therapy for androgenetic alopecia. A 30-month study

Arch Dermatol. 1987 Nov;123(11):1483-7.

Abstract

Seventy-two adult male patients were entered into a double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation using 2% to 3% topical minoxidil solution for androgenetic alopecia. Fifty-nine patients completed the initial 12 months, and continued to use 3% topical minoxidil solution in an open study design. Hair regrowth (as measured by hair counts and bald-area diameters) was noted in all treatment groups at four months, and appeared to peak at approximately 12 months. At 30 months, mean hair counts had decreased from the 12-months level, but remained elevated over baseline counts, while mean bald-area diameters returned to baseline. However, 70% of the patients who did continue to use the drug for 30 months had 50% or more hairs than when they originally started the drug therapy. A subset of patients appeared to sustain a continued increase in hair counts after 12 months. No systemic side effects were noted.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adult
  • Alopecia / drug therapy*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Hair / growth & development*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Minoxidil / administration & dosage*
  • Minoxidil / therapeutic use
  • Random Allocation
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Minoxidil