Minoxidil, Finasteride, And Dutasteride

May 2023 in “ Elsevier eBooks ”

Wilma F. Bergfeld, Claudia M. Ricotti

minoxidil finasteride dutasteride Rogaine Propecia

From the encyclopedia

Minoxidil →

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Finasteride →

Frontline, gold standard treatment for combatting androgenic alopecia

Dutasteride →

Heavy duty finasteride that comes with higher risks

Studysummary This source highlights topical minoxidil as the first-line treatment for androgenetic alopecia in both genders and finasteride for men, while also identifying dutasteride, low-dose oral minoxidil, and topical finasteride as promising future options.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

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Research cited in this study

54 / 54 results

Efficacy and Safety of Oral Minoxidil 5 mg Once Daily in the Treatment of Male Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: An Open-Label and Global Photographic Assessment

research Efficacy and Safety of Oral Minoxidil 5 mg Once Daily in the Treatment of Male Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: An Open-Label and Global Photographic Assessment

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This study found that low-dose oral minoxidil 5 mg daily significantly increased hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia over 24 weeks, with increased hair count and vertex area improvement, though most experienced hypertrichosis and some had pedal edema.

At The Crossroads Of Two Alopecias: Androgenetic Alopecia Pattern Of Hair Regrowth In Patients With Alopecia Areata Treated With Oral Janus Kinase Inhibitors

research At The Crossroads Of Two Alopecias: Androgenetic Alopecia Pattern Of Hair Regrowth In Patients With Alopecia Areata Treated With Oral Janus Kinase Inhibitors

4 citations , April 2020 in “JAAD case reports”

This article discusses the autoimmune causes of alopecia areata and reports no new clinical results.

research JAK Inhibitors for Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

130 citations , February 2019 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study found that JAK inhibitors for alopecia areata showed promising response rates, with 72.4% of 289 cases responding, and oral administration achieving better outcomes than topical treatment, but recurrence occurred when treatment stopped. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings.

The Efficacy and Safety of Dutasteride Compared with Finasteride in Treating Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

research The Efficacy and Safety of Dutasteride Compared with Finasteride in Treating Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

38 citations , February 2019 in “Clinical Interventions in Aging”

This meta-analysis found that dutasteride was more effective than finasteride in increasing hair count and improving photographic assessments for men with androgenetic alopecia, while both drugs had similar rates of sexual dysfunction-related adverse effects.

research New Drugs Under Investigation for the Treatment of Alopecias

26 citations , January 2019 in “Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs”

This review explored the new and emerging treatments for androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata, finding that JAK inhibitors show promise for alopecia areata, while advancements in stem-cell research may eventually lead to new and improved treatments for androgenetic alopecia.

research Minoxidil in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

26 citations , August 2018 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

This review discusses the research supporting the approval and use of minoxidil for androgenic alopecia and reports no new clinical results, emphasizing recent findings and developments.

A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Solution of 0.25% Finasteride Admixed with 3% Minoxidil vs. 3% Minoxidil Solution in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

research A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Solution of 0.25% Finasteride Admixed with 3% Minoxidil vs. 3% Minoxidil Solution in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

43 citations , July 2018 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study found that a topical solution combining 0.25% finasteride with 3% minoxidil significantly improved hair growth, as measured by hair density, diameter, and global assessment, in men with androgenetic alopecia, compared to 3% minoxidil alone, over 24 weeks without systemic adverse effects reported.

research Genetic and Molecular Aspects of Androgenetic Alopecia

24 citations , January 2018 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

This review discusses advances in molecular biology and genetics related to androgenetic alopecia and reports no new clinical results.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Pilot Study Investigating Combination Therapy with Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil and Spironolactone

80 citations , December 2017 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study reported that once-daily treatment with oral minoxidil and spironolactone for 12 months reduced hair loss severity and hair shedding in women with pattern hair loss, with generally mild side effects, though results came from an uncontrolled, observational pilot study.

research The Effectiveness of Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

178 citations , April 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This systematic review and meta-analysis found that minoxidil, finasteride, and low-level laser light therapy significantly improve hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia, while minoxidil is also effective for women, compared to placebo.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update Of Treatment Options

110 citations , August 2016 in “Drugs”

Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved topical drug for treating male or female pattern hair loss, and other medications like finasteride and dutasteride can also increase hair growth.

An Observational Retrospective Evaluation of 79 Young Men with Long-Term Adverse Effects After Use of Finasteride Against Androgenetic Alopecia

research An Observational Retrospective Evaluation of 79 Young Men with Long-Term Adverse Effects After Use of Finasteride Against Androgenetic Alopecia

43 citations , January 2016 in “International Journal of Andrology”

This study found that men experiencing long-term symptoms after finasteride use for androgenetic alopecia frequently reported loss of penis sensitivity and anhedonia, among other effects, indicating potential post-finasteride syndrome.

A Novel Finasteride 0.25% Topical Solution for Androgenetic Alopecia: Pharmacokinetics and Effects on Plasma Androgen Levels in Healthy Male Volunteers

research A Novel Finasteride 0.25% Topical Solution for Androgenetic Alopecia: Pharmacokinetics and Effects on Plasma Androgen Levels in Healthy Male Volunteers

50 citations , July 2014 in “International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics”

This study found that both topical and oral finasteride significantly reduced plasma DHT after one week, with lower finasteride plasma exposure for the topical formulation.

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81 citations , June 2014 in “American Journal of Men's Health”

This study highlights that adverse effects from finasteride may persist in men after discontinuation, indicating a potential "post-finasteride syndrome.

research Effect of Dutasteride 0.5 mg/day in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Recalcitrant to Finasteride

36 citations , June 2014 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study suggests that dutasteride may be a viable alternative for Korean men with androgenetic alopecia who do not respond to finasteride, as it improved hair density and thickness in most participants.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: An Evidence-Based Treatment Update

151 citations , May 2014 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

This review concluded that oral finasteride for men and topical minoxidil for both genders have the most evidence supporting their effectiveness and safety for treating androgenetic alopecia.

research Medical Therapy for Female Pattern Hair Loss

1 citations , May 2014 in “Hair transplant forum international”

This commentary explores the challenges and considerations in treating female pattern hair loss, with no new clinical findings reported.

research Safety of Dermatologic Medications in Pregnancy and Lactation

159 citations , March 2014 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

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A Randomized, Active- and Placebo-Controlled Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Different Doses of Dutasteride Versus Placebo and Finasteride in the Treatment of Male Subjects with Androgenetic Alopecia

research A Randomized, Active- and Placebo-Controlled Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Different Doses of Dutasteride Versus Placebo and Finasteride in the Treatment of Male Subjects with Androgenetic Alopecia

97 citations , January 2014 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that dutasteride increased hair growth and restoration in men with androgenetic alopecia more effectively than finasteride and was well tolerated over 24 weeks.

research Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal Thoughts Among Former Users of Finasteride With Persistent Sexual Side Effects

134 citations , August 2012 in “The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry”

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research Persistent Sexual Side Effects of Finasteride: Could They Be Permanent?

112 citations , July 2012 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

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research Combination Therapy With Finasteride and Low-Dose Dutasteride in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

17 citations , June 2012 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that adding low-dose dutasteride to ongoing finasteride treatment significantly improved hair density in a patient with androgenetic alopecia.

A Randomized, Single-Blind Trial of 5% Minoxidil Foam Once Daily Versus 2% Minoxidil Solution Twice Daily in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

research A Randomized, Single-Blind Trial of 5% Minoxidil Foam Once Daily Versus 2% Minoxidil Solution Twice Daily in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

100 citations , June 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that a once-daily 5% minoxidil topical foam is as effective as a twice-daily 2% minoxidil topical solution for hair growth in women with androgenetic alopecia, with fewer side effects and greater styling convenience.

research Persistent Sexual Side Effects of Finasteride for Male Pattern Hair Loss

185 citations , March 2011 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

This study found that 94% of healthy men reported low libido and 92% reported erectile dysfunction as persistent sexual side effects after using finasteride for male pattern hair loss, with these effects lasting on average 40 months post-discontinuation.

Adverse Side Effects of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors Therapy: Persistent Diminished Libido, Erectile Dysfunction, and Depression in a Subset of Patients

research Adverse Side Effects of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors Therapy: Persistent Diminished Libido, Erectile Dysfunction, and Depression in a Subset of Patients

223 citations , December 2010 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

This review discusses persistent adverse effects of 5α‐reductase inhibitors, like diminished libido and erectile dysfunction, in some patients and highlights the need for patient discussions before therapy, especially for androgenetic alopecia.

research Efficacy and Safety of Finasteride Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia

152 citations , October 2010 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that daily oral finasteride may increase hair count and improve hair appearance assessments in men with androgenetic alopecia, but it also appears to raise the risk of sexual dysfunction.

research Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing 5% and 1% Topical Minoxidil for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Japanese Men

29 citations , July 2009 in “Journal of Dermatology”

This study confirmed that 5% topical minoxidil is more effective than 1% in increasing hair density in Japanese men with androgenetic alopecia, with no significant difference in adverse event rates.

research Blood Donors on Medication: An Approach to Minimize Drug Burden for Recipients of Blood Products and to Limit Deferral of Donors

26 citations , January 2009 in “Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy”

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research Different Patterns of 5α-Reductase Expression, Cellular Distribution, and Testosterone Metabolism in Human Follicular Dermal Papilla Cells

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research A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial of a Novel Formulation of 5% Minoxidil Topical Foam Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

142 citations , August 2007 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

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The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride

research The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride

215 citations , November 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that dutasteride increased scalp hair growth in men with male pattern hair loss, particularly at a 2.5 mg dose, and was more effective than finasteride over 24 weeks.

research Marked Suppression of Dihydrotestosterone in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Dutasteride, a Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibitor

408 citations , May 2004 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

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research Minoxidil: Mechanisms of Action on Hair Growth

397 citations , February 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This article reviews the mechanisms by which minoxidil stimulates hair growth and reports no new clinical findings.

research Minoxidil vs Finasteride in the Treatment of Men With Androgenetic Alopecia

40 citations , September 2003 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This webpage provides access options for JAMA Dermatology but does not contain research findings or results.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

269 citations , August 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that 5% topical minoxidil significantly increased hair regrowth and improved psychosocial perceptions of hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia compared to 2% topical minoxidil and placebo over 48 weeks.

research Changes in Hair Weight and Hair Count in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia After Treatment with Finasteride, 1 mg, Daily

66 citations , April 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, finasteride, 1 mg daily, significantly increased hair weight more than hair count in men with androgenetic alopecia, indicating additional factors like hair growth rate and thickness may contribute to its effectiveness.

research Finasteride Increases Anagen Hair in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

129 citations , October 2000 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that finasteride increases anagen hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia.

Measuring Reversal of Hair Miniaturization in Androgenetic Alopecia by Follicular Counts in Horizontal Sections of Serial Scalp Biopsies: Results of Finasteride 1mg Treatment of Men and Postmenopausal Women

research Measuring Reversal of Hair Miniaturization in Androgenetic Alopecia by Follicular Counts in Horizontal Sections of Serial Scalp Biopsies: Results of Finasteride 1mg Treatment of Men and Postmenopausal Women

145 citations , December 1999 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

Finasteride 1mg helps reverse hair miniaturization in men and postmenopausal women.

research Improvement in Androgenetic Alopecia in 53-76-Year-Old Men Using Oral Finasteride

30 citations , December 1999 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

In this study, men with AGA who took finasteride 5 mg daily for 24 months showed a significant increase in hair counts compared to those who received a placebo.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Men with Frontal Male Pattern Hair Loss

187 citations , June 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study reported that finasteride 1 mg/day significantly increased hair growth and slowed hair loss in men with frontal scalp hair thinning over one year, and these benefits continued or improved in the second year.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

581 citations , October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In male pattern hair loss, this study found that finasteride 1 mg daily significantly slowed hair loss and increased hair growth over two years compared to placebo.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in the Female

82 citations , March 1994 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that a 2% topical minoxidil solution significantly increased hair regrowth compared to placebo in women with androgenetic alopecia over 32 weeks.

research Topical Minoxidil Therapy for Androgenic Alopecia in the Middle East

5 citations , October 1993 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that 2% minoxidil led to moderate to dense hair growth in 80% of Middle-Eastern men treated for 48 weeks with early androgenic alopecia.

research Treatment of Male Pattern Alopecia Using Topical Minoxidil in The Netherlands

23 citations , July 1988 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that 2% minoxidil solution was about three times more effective than a placebo in improving hair growth in men with early male pattern alopecia over 24 weeks.

research Topical 2% Minoxidil Solution in Male Pattern Alopecia: The Initial European Experience

16 citations , July 1988 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that 2% minoxidil solution significantly increased nonvellus hair count in men with male pattern baldness compared to placebo during a 48-week trial.

research The German Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Evaluation of Topical Minoxidil Solution in the Treatment of Early Male Pattern Baldness

17 citations , July 1988 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

In this study, 2% minoxidil solution was found to be a safe and more effective treatment for early male pattern baldness compared to placebo.

research Topical Minoxidil in Androgenetic Alopecia: Scandinavian and Middle East Experience

11 citations , July 1988 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

In this study, topically applied 2% minoxidil solution was found to be more effective than placebo for promoting hair regrowth in men with early male pattern baldness over 24 weeks.

research Topical Minoxidil in Early Androgenetic Alopecia

44 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that both 2% and 3% topical minoxidil were more effective than placebo in promoting hair growth for men with male pattern baldness over 12 months.

Androgenetic Alopecia: Treatment Results with Topical Minoxidil

research Topical Minoxidil in Early Male Pattern Baldness

138 citations , August 1985 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil promotes hair growth in male pattern baldness.