TITLE: Topical minoxidil
therapy for hair regrowth. 50 REFS
AUTHOR
Rumsfield JA; West DP; Fiedler-Weiss VC
ORGANISATION
University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Dermatology 60680.
SOURCE
Clin Pharm 1987 May; 6 (5): 386-92
LANGUAGE OF ORIGIN
English
ABSTRACT
The pathogenesis of hair loss, the postulated mechanisms of minoxidil
action on hair growth, and clinical trials, adverse reactions, experimental
formulations, and percutaneous absorption of topical minoxidil preparations are
reviewed. Topical minoxidil seems to normalize hair follicles and increase
blood flow to the scalp. In clinical trials of various formulations, results
have varied. Improved hair growth occurred after four to six months of therapy;
twice-daily application seems to be indicated. The most frequently reported
adverse reactions are mild scalp dryness and irritation and, rarely, allergic
contact dermatitis. Current recommendations are to reserve topical minoxidil
for patients with normal cardiovascular status and to routinely monitor blood
pressure, heart rate, and electrocardiographic changes. A new drug application
is pending with FDA for use of topical minoxidil in androgenetic alopecia
(male-pattern baldness), which is genetically determined and apparently
stimulated by androgens. For alopecia areata, which involves hair loss on the
body or scalp, usually patchy and of sudden onset, no reliable treatment has
been found, although minoxidil may be efficacious in some patients. Minoxidil
has generated new interest in hair-loss research. The etiology of hair loss
must be better understood before more effective treatment regimens can be
designed. (AUTHOR)
MJTR: Alopecia DT. Minoxidil TU.
MNTR: Administration, Cutaneous. Alopecia ET.
Animal. Clinical Trials. Human. Male. Minoxidil AE. Minoxidil PD. Skin
Absorption. CLINICAL TRIAL. JOURNAL ARTICLE. REVIEW. REVIEW, ACADEMIC
RNUM: 38304-91-5 (Minoxidil)
GEOT: UNITED STATES
IDEN: ISSN: 0278-2677. JOURNAL-CODE: DKC.
ENTRY-DATE: 871204. JOURNAL-SUBSET: M. IM-DATE: 8802.
ACCE: 88028379