Finasteride & Minoxidil

Finasteride (Propecia) & Minoxidil (Rogaine) is an exclusive combination of drugs used for the treatment of hair loss.  Finasteride was originally developed by the pharmaceutical company Merck as a drug (Proscar) to treat enlarged prostate glands while Minoxidil was manufactured by Pfizer for the treatment of male pattern baldness and thinning of hair in women. Both drugs are available as prescription or over-the-counter (Minoxidil only). 

Minoxidil is a vasodilator that means it will relax the blood vessels of your scalp, leading to optimum circulation that nourishes the hair follicles. Technically, it does not stop hair loss, but it promotes the growth of new hair, replacing the hair that is lost. Finasteride is a 5α-reductase inhibitor that prevents hair loss by stopping testosterone from being converted into dihydrotestosterone: the powerful androgenic hormone that causes damage to hair follicles in men.  It is hypothesized that the simultaneous application of these two drugs results in a synergistic action and reduces their individual side-effects.

Finasteride at 1 mg/day and 5% topical minoxidil are effective in male androgenetic alopecia. Minoxidil is available as a topical solution that is rubbed on the scalp and finasteride is the form of oral pills. 

Side Effects of Finasteride and Minoxidil

Potential side-effects of finasteride are sexual dysfunction and loss of libido whereas minoxidil causes a dry and itchy scalp, eczema, burning sensation, and light-headedness. But when these used in combination, they reduce their individual side-effects. Stop use if there is hypersensitivity to these drugs, presence of any skin infection, and pregnancy.

These declarations come from the manufacturer of this medication and should not constitute medical advice. Please consult a doctor to see if this medication is right for you and how you should use it. Relief Seeker provides information about products and their manufacturers and does not offer any medical advice.