Does caffeine inhibit Minoxidil's beneficial effects on hair?

Question

In a couple of studies, aspirin has been shown to inhibit Minoxidils's beneficial hair effects. Asprin is a COX inhibtor. Caffeine is also a COX inhibtor. Does Caffeine inhibit Minoxidil just like asprin, or is asprin's blocking effect caused by something other than it's COX inhibition? Thank you.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

This this is an interesting question. Cox inhibitors such as aspirin have been known to adversely affect topical minoxidil. Topical caffeine has been shown to be a DHT inhibitor and therefore assist in hair growth.therefore you have opposing actions. The stimulatory effect of the caffeine on dht and inhibitory effect on sulfotransferase needed to convert minoxidil. Has no Studies have been performed it's difficult to determine the actual effect.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Both Caffeine and Minoxidil when applied to the scalp, can induce hair growth. In a recent study in a peer reviewed journal, the 2% caffeine and the 5% minoxidil were both equal in value when applied to the scalp topically.

Does caffeine inhibit Minoxidil's beneficial effects on hair?

Answers (2)

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Does caffeine inhibit Minoxidil's beneficial effects on hair?

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