TITLE
Topical minoxidil solution (1% and 5%) in the treatment of alopecia
areata.
AUTHOR
Fiedler-Weiss VC
SOURCE
J Am Acad Dermatol 1987 Mar; 16 (3 Pt 2): 745-8
LANGUAGE OF ORIGIN
English
ABSTRACT
Topical minoxidil solution can induce hair regrowth in alopecia areata. A
dose-response effect was demonstrated when 48 patients treated with topical 1%
minoxidil were compared with 47 patients treated with topical 5% minoxidil. A
total of 66 patients were enrolled, 26 of them participating in both study
groups. Patients with extensive (75% or greater) scalp hair loss showed a
response rate of 38%, defined as terminal hair regrowth, with 1% minoxidil
versus an 81% response rate with 5% minoxidil. The current 2% formulation is
most likely to elicit cosmetically acceptable regrowth in those with patchy
alopecia areata. Occlusion of the treated area appears to be necessary to
achieve and maintain maximum results. Nonresponders are most likely to be found
among those with the most extensive scalp hair loss. No other clinical features
correlate with response to treatment. However, a finding of increased T cell
blastogenesis before treatment may predict response. In patients with severe
alopecia areata, hair loss generally recurs after treatment is stopped and may
recur during treatment. Systemic absorption of topically applied and occluded
minoxidil solutions (1% and 5%) was minimal; no clinically significant changes
in blood pressure, weight, cardiovascular status, electrocardiogram,
electrolytes, complete blood count, or urinalysis were seen. Mild local
irritation occurred, and two of the 66 patients developed allergic contact
dermatitis to minoxidil, as confirmed by patch tests. (AUTHOR)
MJTR: Alopecia Areata DT. Minoxidil TU.
MNTR: Administration, Topical. Clinical
Trials. Comparative Study. Dose-Response Relationship, Drug. Double-Blind
Method. Human. CLINICAL TRIAL. CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL. JOURNAL
ARTICLE
RNUM: 38304-91-5 (Minoxidil)
GEOT: UNITED STATES
IDEN: ISSN: 0190-9622. JOURNAL-CODE: HVG.
ENTRY-DATE: 870429. JOURNAL-SUBSET: M. IM-DATE: 8707.
ACCE: 87166921