Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil Initiation for Patients With Hair Loss
Authors: Akiska Yagiz Matthew , Mirmirani Paradi , Roseborough Ingrid , Mathes Erin , Bhutani Tina , Ambrosy Andrew , Aguh Crystal , Bergfeld Wilma , Callender Valerie D. , Castelo-Soccio Leslie , Cotsarelis George , Craiglow Brittany Gareth , Desai Nisha S. , Doche Isabella , Duque-Estrada Bruna , Elston Dirk M. , Goh Carolyn , Goldberg Lynne J. , Grimalt Ramon , Jabbari Ali , Jolliffe Victoria , King Brett A. , LaSenna Charlotte , Lenzy Yolanda , Lester Jenna C. , Lortkipanidze Nino , Lo Sicco Kristen I. , McMichael Amy , Meah Nekma , Mesinkovska Natasha , Miteva Mariya , Mostaghimi Arash , Ovcharenko Yuliya , Piliang Melissa , Piraccini Bianca Maria , Rakowska Adriana , Salkey Kimberly S. , Schmidt Adriana , Shapiro Jerry , Sibbald Cathryn , Sinclair Rodney , Suchonwanit Poonkiat , Taylor Susan , Tosti Antonella , Vañó-Galván Sergio , Wall Dmitri Robert , Fu Jennifer M. 
Published: November 2024

Importance

The results of small studies suggest that off-label use of low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) may be safe and effective for patients with hair loss, but larger trials and standardized guidelines are lacking.

Objective

To create an expert consensus statement for LDOM prescribing for patients with hair loss.

Evidence Review

The current literature on the pharmacological properties, adverse effect profile, and use of LDOM for patients with hair loss was reviewed. Topics of interest were identified, and a modified Delphi consensus process was created. A total of 43 hair loss specialist dermatologists from 12 countries participated in a modified Delphi process. Consensus was reached if at least 70% agreed or strongly agreed on a 5-point Likert scale.

Findings

Over 4 survey rounds, 180 items in the first round, 121 items in the second round, 16 items in the third round, and 11 items in the fourth round were considered and revised. A total of 76 items achieved consensus including diagnoses for which LDOM may provide direct or supportive benefit, indications for LDOM compared to topical minoxidil, dosing for adults (18 years and older) and adolescents (aged 12 to 17 years), contraindications, precautions, baseline evaluation, monitoring, adjunctive therapy, and specialty consultation. Pediatric use and dosing items for children younger than 12 years, and LDOM titration protocols fell short of consensus.

Conclusions and Relevance

This international expert consensus statement regarding the off-label prescribing of LDOM for patients with hair loss can help guide clinical practice until more data emerge. Hair loss experts with experience treating pediatric patients were underrepresented on this expert panel. Future research should investigate best practices for LDOM use in pediatric patients. Other critical topics for further investigation include the comparative efficacy of topical minoxidil vs oral minoxidil, the safety of oral minoxidil for patients with a history of allergic contact dermatitis to topical minoxidil, the long-term safety of LDOM, and the use of other off-label forms of minoxidil, such as compounded formulations of oral minoxidil and sublingual minoxidil. As additional evidence-based data emerge, these recommendations should be updated.