Medicines for hair loss can slow thinning of hair and increase coverage of the scalp by growing new hair and enlarging existing hairs. But they need to be taken continuously. If the medicines are stopped, any hair that has grown in will gradually be lost, and within 6 to 12 months your scalp will most likely appear the same as before treatment.

Medicaments for hair loss treatment include:

• Minoxidil
• Finasteride
• Dutasteride
• Corticosteroids injected into the scalp. The corticosteroid is injected many times about 1 cm (0.4 in.) apart every 4 to 6 weeks. This is the most common treatment in adults and is best used for treating patchy hair loss. Limited research reports that hair grows back at the site of injection in some people.
• Corticosteroids may be used along with injected steroids or with other medicines such as minoxidil (Rogaine).
• Corticosteroids you take by mouth (oral). Although this does result in hair growth, it is rarely used because of the side effects of oral corticosteroids.
• Contact immunotherapy, which may be the most effective treatment for severe alopecia areata.
• A common medicine used is diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP), which is “painted” on the scalp once a week at increasing strengths. The DPCP irritates the skin, making it itchy and scaly. This treatment is not widely available.
• Psoralen with ultraviolet A light (PUVA) therapy. For PUVA, a medicine called a psoralen is used to make the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. Then the skin is exposed to UVA light.

For which hair loss types medicaments can be used?

Hair loss medicaments can be used for all types of hair loss.

Best medicaments on market are…

Minoxidil is the most widespread and most important medicine that treats all types of baldness, and so far has proved to be the most effective. Minoxidil was originally produced as a medicine for lowering high blood pressure, but during testing it was observed that Minoxidil accelerates the growth of hair on the skin of the person to whom this is a medical examination conducted.

Finasteride is used for the treatment of male pattern baldness. Finasteride lower DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) in the scalp by blocking an enzyme (5-alphareductase type II), which converts testosterone to DHT. The favorable effects of Finasteride tablets are expected only in men with mild to moderate hair loss, but not a complete loss of the hair. For most men who are taking medication 5 years, hair loss has slowed and led to improvement in hair growth.

Dutasteride is used medically with great success for the treatment of prostate enlargement in men, a condition known as BPH (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia). Avodart reduces the risk of surgery and improves symptoms for men with enlarged prostate.

MINOXIDIL (Rogaine, Regain, Avacor, Mintop)

Minoxidil (Rogaine) is strong vasodilatator of peripherial blood vessels. It was invented to cure high blood pressure. Its purpose was to be anthypertensive. During its trial period some side effects were discovered. Scientists discovered that minoxidil causes increased growth or darkening of fine body hair or in some cases significant hair growth. When the medication is stopped, the hair loss returns to normal rate within two months.

Its mechanism of action is still unknown. The assumption is that vasodilatation of blood vessels improve blood circulation and delivery of nutrients to skin. So hair follicles revitalize.Hair growth is expected after four months of minoxidil using. Local application does not cause side effects. It also approved to treat Male pattern baldness, Female pattern baldness, Alopecia areata and Telogen effluvium. 2% solution of minoxidil is used for treatment of androgenic alopecia in men and women. 5% solution of minoxidil is designed exclusevely for men. It is approved by FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

Warnings!

Pregnant and breast-feeding women should not use – or even touch the product, nor should anyone allergic to either minoxidil or the components of the formulation (eg, propylene glycol, alcohol).

• The potential for edema (swelling of body parts)
• Angina pectoris (chest pain)
• Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)

Products

2% Minoxidil Topical Solution
Women’s Rogaine Hair Regrowth Treatment, Unscented, 3x2oz (60 ml) bottles (three month supply)

5%  Minoxidil Topical Solution
Men’s Rogaine Extra Strength Hair Regrowth Treatment, Unscented, 3x2oz (60 ml) bottles (three month supply)

Directions for use

At morning and evening, rub Minoxidil (Rogaine) into the scalp, but the dose should not exceed 2ml. Duration of therapy depends on the outcome.

Side effects

• Mild dermatitis
• Non-specific allergic reactions
• Rhinitis (running nose)
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Palpitations (abnormality of heartbeat)
• Blood pressure changes
• Possible increased unwanted body hair outside the scalp (woman’s face)
• Temporary hair loss is possible after 2-6 weeks of application which stops within a few weeks

How long it takes to work

If after one year of application no results therapy should be ended.

FINASTERIDE (Propecia,Proscar) for men

Finasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Finasteride is used to treat male pattern hair loss in men. Close to 80% of the more than 1,500 males who taken part in the demos knowledgeable amazing success with Propecia, either preserving the hair they had or finding improved occurrence.

Warnings!

It is prohibited to use in women. Also it must be used only by men who suffer from male pattern hair loss. Men with a medical history of liver disease, prostate, urinary tract infections, allergies, medications should avoid using Finasteride. Therefore, healthy men with a valid prescription for the medication can only take Finasteride.

Products

Only for prescription.

Directions for use

Finasteride (Propecia) is a prescription that would strictly be taken after the doctor prescribes. Propecia 1mg tablets are taken once a day. It is a long-term treatment that is taken for 12 months, if you stop treating the middle, then the result is obtained may go in reverse again. This means that once you started / Propecia tablets should be taken for a year and if it stops, then may lose hair earlier gained through pills.

Side effects

• Erectile dysfunction
• Decreased libido
• Ejaculation disorder
• Breast changes
• Rashes

How long it takes to work

Propecia tablets should be taken for a year.

DUTASTERIDE 0.5mg (Avodart, Avidart, Avolve, Duagen, Dutas, Dutagen, Duprost)

Dutasteride is FDA approved for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and is also prescribed off-label for treatment of male pattern baldness (MPB). It is a 5-AR inhibitor used to treat benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) and Male Hair Loss.  In study, Dutasteride at 0.5mg daily grew more hair than Propecia (Finasteride) 5mg at 12-weeks and 24-weeks.

Mechanism of action

Dutasteride belongs to a class of drugs called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which block the action of the 5-alpha-reductase enzymes that convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Finasteride, which is also approved for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), in addition to the treatment of male pattern baldness (MPB), belongs to this class of drugs.

Dutasteride inhibits both isoforms of 5-alpha reductase, type I and type II, whereas finasteride only inhibits type II. There are no long-term randomized trials comparing the effects of dutasteride and finasteride in patients with BPH. The EPICS trial, a 12-month clinical study done by GlaxoSmithKline, demonstrated treatment with dutasteride and finasteride resulted in similar decreases in prostate volume, with numerically but not statistically significantly greater improvements in symptom scores for the dutasteride group.

Finasteride is marketed by Merck under trademark names Proscar (5 mg/day finasteride) for BPH and Propecia (1 mg/day finasteride) for MPB. Published data from controlled clinical trials demonstrated the 5 mg dose of finasteride did not produce better results than the 1 mg dose.

For Male Hair Growth: 0.5—1mg Male pattern baldness

Phase I and II clinical trials for dutasteride as a hair loss drug were undertaken, but called off in late 2002, with reasons for terminatation unknown.

The phase II results indicated that dutasteride at both 0.5 mg and 2.5 mg/day generated a superior hair count to finasteride 5 mg at 12 and 24 weeks.

Warnings!

• Dutasteride reduces serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration  by approximately 50%. However, any confirmedincrease in PSA while  on Dutasteride may signal the presence of prostate cancer and should be evaluated, even if those values are still within the normal range for untreated men.
• Dutasteride may increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer.
• Assess patients to rule out other urological diseases, including prostate cancer, prior to prescribing Dutasteride.
• Women who are pregnant or could become pregnant should not handle. Dutasteride Capsules due to potential risk to a male fetus
• Patients should not donate blood until 6 months after their last dose of Dutasteride.

Products

Only for prescription.

Directions for use

• An extra patient leaflet is available with Dutasteride. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
• Take Dutasteride by mouth with or without food.
• Swallow Dutasteride whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Do not take capsules that are cracked or leaking. Dutasteride can irritate your lips, mouth, and throat.
• Take Dutasteride on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Taking Dutasteride at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
• Continue to take Dutasteride even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• If you miss a dose of Dutasteride, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Dutasteride.

Side effects

Dutasteride may cause serious side effects, including:

• Rare and serious allergic reactions, including:
• Swelling of your face, tongue, or throat
• Serious skin reactions, such as skin peeling

Get medical help right away if you have these serious allergic reactions. Higher chance of a more serious form of prostate cancer.
The most common side effects of Dutasteride include:

• Trouble getting or keeping an erection (impotence)
• A decrease in sex drive (libido)
• Ejaculation problems
• Enlarged or painful breasts. If you notice breast lumps or nipple discharge, you should talk to your healthcare provider
• Dutasteride has been shown to reduce sperm count, semen volume, and spermmovement. However, the effect of Dutasteride on male fertility is not known.

How long it takes to work

While some men have fewer problems and symptoms after 3 months of treatment with Dutasteride, a treatment period of at least 6 months is usually necessary to see if Dutasteride will work for you. Studies have shown that treatment with Dutasteride.