Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss Not Linked to Tachycardia, Large Study Suggests
Written By : Medha Baranwal
Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli
Published On 2025-08-22 15:30 GMT | Update On 2025-08-22 15:30 GMT
Advertisement
USA: A new retrospective study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) reports that low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM), widely used off-label for nonscarring alopecia, does not increase the risk of tachycardia in patients without pre-existing cardiac conditions.
Researchers from Thomas Jefferson University’s Sidney Kimmel Medical College, led by Zachary J.K. Neubauer and colleagues, analyzed data from more than half a million patients with androgenic alopecia or other forms of nonscarring hair loss, drawn from the TriNetX database spanning 2004 to 2024. Importantly, individuals with a prior history of hypertension, tachycardia, or arrhythmia were excluded from the study.
The analysis included 524,522 patients, of which 9,267 received LDOM (≤ 5 mg/day) and the rest served as minoxidil-naïve controls. The LDOM group tended to be older (average age 45.5 years versus 39.8 years in controls) and had a higher proportion of men (33% vs. 19%). The primary outcome assessed was the incidence of tachycardia.
The key findings of the study were as follows:
- Among those on LDOM, 126 patients (7.7%) developed tachycardia, with a median time to onset of approximately 245 days.
- When compared to controls, the risk difference was statistically insignificant.
- The hazard ratio (HR) for tachycardia in the LDOM group was 0.90, and after adjustments, it remained nonsignificant at 0.92.
- Men had a 36% lower risk of developing tachycardia compared with women (HR, 0.64).
- Asian patients also demonstrated reduced risk (HR, 0.81).
- Conversely, White individuals were more likely to experience tachycardia compared to other groups (HR, 1.29).
- Black individuals were also more likely to experience tachycardia compared to other groups (HR, 1.19).
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.