Androgenetic Alopecia Medication

  • Author: Robert P Feinstein, MD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: Mar 23, 2012
 

Medication Summary

Only 2 medications have been shown to be effective in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: minoxidil and finasteride. Minoxidil is applied topically and available as 2% or 5% solutions. Finasteride is taken orally.

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Vasodilators

Class Summary

This drug is indicated to improve hair growth by stimulating vasodilation.

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Minoxidil topical (Rogaine)

 

Relaxes arteriolar smooth muscle, causing vasodilation. Hair growth effects are secondary to vasodilation.

Available as 2% and 5% solutions.

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Antiandrogens

Class Summary

Finasteride is the agent in this category known to promote hair growth.

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Finasteride (Propecia)

 

Inhibits conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, causing serum dihydrotestosterone levels to decrease. However, effects in hair growth are not clearly understood.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Robert P Feinstein, MD  Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

Robert P Feinstein, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Noah Worcester Dermatological Society, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Leonard Sperling, MD  Chair, Professor, Department of Dermatology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Leonard Sperling, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

David F Butler, MD  Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Chair, Department of Dermatology, Director, Dermatology Residency Training Program, Scott and White Clinic, Northside Clinic

David F Butler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for MOHS Surgery, Association of Military Dermatologists, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Edward F Chan, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Edward F Chan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatopathology, and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Catherine M Quirk, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania

Catherine M Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology, New York

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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