Minoxidil Oral x Minoxidil Tópico – Novo Estudo - *Não usar sem orientação Médica – Dr. Paulo Müller

Summary

In April 2024, a study published in JAMA Dermatology compared the effectiveness of oral Minoxidil (5 mg) and topical Minoxidil (5%) for treating male pattern baldness. The randomized, double-blind trial involving 90 male participants found both treatments effective, with oral Minoxidil showing a greater increase in hair density, though not statistically significant. Clinical evaluations indicated more patients experienced improvement with oral Minoxidil, particularly in the crown area. Side effects were mild for both treatments. The study highlights the importance of personalized treatment choices based on efficacy, patient preference, and adherence.

Takeaways

• 😀 A new study published in *JAMA Dermatology* compares the effectiveness of oral Minoxidil (5 mg) and topical Minoxidil (5%) for treating male pattern baldness.
• 😀 The study involved 90 male participants and was designed as a randomized, double-blind trial to minimize bias.
• 😀 Both oral and topical Minoxidil were effective in increasing hair density, but the difference in efficacy was not statistically significant.
• 😀 Oral Minoxidil showed greater improvement in hair density specifically in the crown area compared to the frontal region.
• 😀 Common side effects of oral Minoxidil included hypertrichosis (excess hair growth) and headaches.
• 😀 Patients using oral Minoxidil experienced less initial shedding compared to those using topical Minoxidil.
• 😀 A higher percentage of patients reported clinical improvement with oral Minoxidil (60% in the frontal area, 70% in the crown) compared to topical (48% and 46%, respectively).
• 😀 Adherence to treatment is generally better with oral Minoxidil due to its ease of use compared to topical applications.
• 😀 The study's findings suggest that both treatment forms can be effective, and the choice should be based on individual patient needs and preferences.
• 😀 There is a need for larger studies to further clarify the differences in efficacy between oral and topical Minoxidil.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the recent study published in JAMA Dermatology?

The study compares the effectiveness of oral minoxidil (5 mg) versus topical minoxidil (5%) for treating male pattern baldness.

Who conducted the study and what is their background?

The study was led by Dr. Mariana Penha, who conducted it as part of her doctoral research under the supervision of Professor Hélio Miot.

What was the methodology used in this study?

The study was a randomized, double-blind trial involving 90 men, with half receiving oral minoxidil and the other half using topical minoxidil.

What were the key findings regarding the effectiveness of the two treatments?

Both treatments increased hair density, but the increase from oral minoxidil was not statistically superior to that from topical minoxidil, despite higher absolute increases.

How did the treatments compare in different areas of the scalp?

Oral minoxidil showed greater effectiveness in the crown region, with a 20% average increase in hair density, while clinical improvements were noted in both the crown and frontal regions.

What percentage of patients experienced clinical improvement with each treatment?

60% of the oral minoxidil group and 48% of the topical minoxidil group reported clinical improvement in the frontal region, while 70% of the oral group and 46% of the topical group improved in the crown region.

What side effects were observed in the study?

The most common side effect of oral minoxidil was hypertrichosis, with fewer patients experiencing initial shedding compared to those using the topical version (9% vs. 16%).

What implications do the study findings have for treatment options?

The findings suggest that both formulations are effective, and the choice between oral and topical minoxidil should be based on patient preferences and tolerability.

Why is this study significant in the field of dermatology?

This study is significant as it is one of the first to compare oral and topical minoxidil specifically in men, contributing valuable data to the existing body of research.

What future research directions does the speaker suggest?

The speaker emphasizes the need for larger studies to further explore the differences between the two treatments and their optimal usage.