Topical Minoxidil in Androgenetic Alopecia Scandinavian and Middle East Experience

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A 24‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was conducted in Denmark, Egypt, Jordan, Norway, and Sweden to compare the efficacy and safety of topically applied 2% minoxidil solution with those of placebo in the treatment of early male pattern baldness. One hundred fifty‐one men were evaluable at week 24. They applied 1 ml of either the placebo or 2% minoxidil solution twice daily for the duration of the study. The 2% minoxidil group demonstrated superiority to placebo in all primary efficacy parameters evaluated, ie, nonvellus hair counts at week 24, change in non‐vellus hair counts from baseline to week 24, and patient and investigator assessment of hair regrowth at week 24. In addition, 2% minoxidil was found to be superior to placebo in decreasing the diameter of the bald scalp from baseline to week 24. No differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, pulse rate, or body weight were considered to be related to the minoxidil. One patient discontinued the study when he developed folliculitis after 2 weeks of minoxidil administration. Two percent minoxidil solution is a safe and effective treatment for early male pattern baldness.