Topical minoxidil dose-response effect in alopecia areata.

Abstract

Topical 5% minoxidil solution was used to treat 47 patients with severe alopecia areata. Forty patients (85%) had terminal hair regrowth after 48 to 60 weeks of treatment. In the majority of patients, hair regrowth was not cosmetically acceptable. Data were compared with those from a previous study with topical 1% minoxidil solution. Both the percentage of responders and the quality of their hair regrowth were significantly greater with 5% than with 1% topical minoxidil solution. One patient developed an allergic contact dermatitis to minoxidil, but no systemic side effects were detected. The results strongly suggest a dose-response effect for topical minoxidil treatment of alopecia areata and the importance of exploring modifications in dosing and delivery systems to enhance therapeutic efficacy.

• Authors: V C Fiedler-Weiss, D P West, C M Buys, J A Rumsfield
• Journal: Archives of dermatology (Arch Dermatol) Vol. 122 Issue 2 Pg. 180-2 (Feb 1986) ISSN: 0003-987X [Print] United States
• PMID: 3947124 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Solutions
• Minoxidil

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Alopecia (drug therapy)
• Child
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Minoxidil (administration & dosage)
• Patch Tests
• Solutions