learn Finasteride
Popular 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that lowers DHT, taken as a pill or used topically
- Are there really risks with topical finasteride? Reports on topical finasteride describe scalp irritation and dermatitis as the effects specific to it, and blood levels lower than the oral drug; whether the oral drug's systemic side effects (sexual, mood, suicidal-thought, cognitive and breast/semen effects, some reported to persist after stopping) are genuinely rarer on the topical form has not been measured in a trial powered to answer it. Both forms are prescription-only and contraindicated around pregnancy.
- Does the vehicle change how much topical finasteride is absorbed? Formulation sources describe propylene glycol and microemulsion vehicles as increasing how much topical finasteride crosses the skin, but better penetration has not been shown to mean better hair results, and it also raises systemic exposure. The vehicle and strength are decisions for a prescriber or compounding pharmacist.