Drug combo proves effective for pattern hair loss in women

(HealthDay)—Once-daily capsules containing a combination of minoxidil and spironolactone appear to be safe and effective for the treatment of female pattern hair loss (PHL), according to a case-series study published online Dec. 12 in the International Journal of Dermatology.

Rodney D. Sinclair, M.B.B.S., M.D., from Epworth Hospital in East Melbourne, Australia, presents a case series of 100 women with PHL treated with once-daily minoxidil 0.25 mg and spironolactone 25 mg. Shedding and hair density were scored before and after 12 months of treatment.

Sinclair observed a 0.85 mean reduction in hair loss severity score at six months and a 1.3 mean reduction at 12 months. There was also a mean reduction of 2.3 in hair shedding score at six months and a mean reduction of 2.6 at 12 months. There was a drop in blood pressure observed among participants (mean change, −4.52 mm Hg systolic and −6.48 mm Hg diastolic). Eight women experienced side effects, which were generally mild, although two who developed urticaria discontinued treatment. No cases of hyperkalemia or any other blood test abnormality were reported.

"Most women noticed a reduction in hair shedding at three months and an increase in hair density at six months," Sinclair writes. "Placebo-controlled studies to investigate this further are warranted."

Sinclair discloses holding a related innovation patent.