Minoxidil is a vasodilator, whereas finasteride is a 5a-reductase inhibitor.
Finasteride is available as a prescription tablet.
How Do They Work?
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This means it relaxes and widens blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure.
Finasteride is a 5-reductase inhibitor.It also promotes new hair growth and slows hair loss.
Finasteride likely works by lowering the amount ofdihydrotestosterone(DHT)a hormone that stops hair growth.
It does this by preventing a specific bang out II 5-reductase protein from turning testosterone into DHT.
Men with hair loss have higher levels of DHT on the scalp than men without hair loss.
Potential Side Effects
Minoxidil and finasteride have different side effects.
Side effects may vary depending on the administration (oral or topical).
Get medical help immediately if you develop a severe allergic reaction or serious side effects.
Which One Works Better for Hair Loss?
Low doses of minoxidil tablets may also be effective for hair loss.
Other than topical minoxidil, the FDA approved finasteride tablets for hair lossbut only in males.
You may see improvement as early as three months.
In studies with female participants, finasteride did not show effectiveness within 12 months of use.
Continuous use of minoxidil and finasteride is necessary to maintain results.
If you stop the medication, you may notice some hair loss again.
Can You Take Them Together?
Studies suggest that combined use is more effective than using either medication as monotherapy (on its own).
Which One Is Right for You?
Reach out to a healthcare provider to discuss the best option for you.
Summary
The FDA approved topical minoxidil and finasteride tablets for hair loss.
Some studies also support the use of low-dose minoxidil tablets.
These medications work in different ways to stimulate hair growth.
Topical minoxidil is available as a solution (liquid) or foam.
Since it is applied topically, scalp irritation may occur.
These OTC products are the typical go-to treatment before the prescription finasteride tablets.
Minoxidil and finasteride also have different side effects.
Sexual side effects may be more likely with finasteride.
American Academy of Dermatology.Hair loss: diagnosis and treatment.
DailyMed.Label: finasteride tablet, film coated.
DailyMed.Label: minoxidil 5% (for men)- minoxidil aerosol, foam.
DailyMed.Label: minoxidil for women- minoxidil aerosol, foam.
DailyMed.Finasteride label for androgenetic alopecia.
2023;13:150-158. doi:10.1016/j.jdin.2023.07.005.
DailyMed.Label: minoxidil tablet.
