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Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of 5% minoxidil solution with 5% minoxidil milky lotion in the treatment of male AGA.
Materials and Method: Twenty males with AGA were recruited for this prospective randomized study. Subjects were randomly treated with 5% minoxidil solution or 5% minoxidil milky lotion. Clinical outcomes and adverse events were recorded at 8, 16, and 24 weeks.
Results: The mean age of subjects was 43.5±12.5 years (range, 26-65 years). Percentage increase in hair density at 8 weeks after receiving 5% minoxidil solution and 5% minoxidil milky lotion was 8.8% and 37.4%, respectively (p = 0.01). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two preparations at the 16 and 24 week visits. Mild irritation was reported in 1 case in the 5% minoxidil milky lotion group.
Study limitation: Small sample size.
Conclusion: Both formulations were found to be effective and safe in the treatment of male AGA. 5% minoxidil milky lotion may be an alternative treatment in propylene glycol-sensitive patients, with efficacy that is comparable to that of 5% minoxidil solution.
Keywords: 5% minoxidil solution, 5% minoxidil milky lotion, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, male androgenetic alopecia, contact dermatitis