Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil for Androgenetic Alopecia Is Not Associated with Significant Changes in Alcohol Consumption: A Retrospective Study of 21,971 Patients.

Overview

INTRODUCTION: Oral minoxidil, used off-label for androgenetic alopecia, has been linked to alcohol hangover symptoms. We examined changes in alcohol consumption before and after low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) initiation. METHODS: Using Epic's Cosmos database (2010-2024), we analyzed alcohol consumption 6 months pre- and post-minoxidil in patients with recorded data. A two-sample z test compared average daily alcohol intake. RESULTS: Among 21,971 patients, demographics and minoxidil dosing were similar between groups. Average alcohol consumption was unchanged pre- versus post-LDOM (0.264 vs. 0.260 drinks/day, p = 0.72). CONCLUSION: LDOM does not significantly affect alcohol consumption, suggesting minimal impact on hangover symptoms. Prospective studies are needed, but patients can be reassured about the low likelihood of symptom exacerbation.