Blood pressure changes in patients after Minoxidil microinfusion to treat female pattern alopecia: analysis of a randomized, single blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Microinfusion is a superficial microneedling procedure that infuses medications into the surface of the dermis through disposable needles attached to tattoo equipment. Various medications can be microinfused; minoxidil is frequently utilized as an adjuvant treatment for androgenetic alopecia, but little data is available on its systemic effects when administered via this technique. OBJECTIVE: To compare blood pressure readings before and after microinfusion of minoxidil in the scalp to assess this drug's systemic effects when applied using this technique. METHODS: This randomized, controlled, blinded study was conducted with 24 patients divided into 2 groups to compare microinfusion with 0.5% minoxidil and saline solution (control group). Participants underwent 3 sessions at monthly intervals, and their blood pressure was measured before and after each microinfusion procedure. RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure was observed after the procedure in the minoxidil group (p = 0.037). In the control group, a statistically significant increase in systolic blood pressure was found (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Reduction of diastolic blood pressure in the minoxidil group proved dermal delivery and systemic absorption of the medication after scalp microinfusion. Increased systolic pressure in the control group may be related to pain during the procedure. BRAZILIAN REGISTRY OF CLINICAL TRIALS: (ReBEC): RBR-368fdb3; Date of registration: April, 11th, 2024 (retrospectively registered).