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Can Minoxidil-12.5% Be Used Along With Finasteride And Dutasteride For Hair Loss?

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Posted on Wed, 3 Feb 2016
Question: Dear Dr,
I am bald on top area. Recently I came across a friend who used Minoxidil 12.5% along with Finasteride and Dutasteride got significant hair in his top. Earlier he was also bald as me.
Can I use the same medication without consultation. I have already started Minoxidil 10% but need to understand about the tablets.

Regards,
XXXX


Thanks Dr. Kakkar. Can you advise on dosage for Finasteride.

Regards,
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Only minoxidil and finasteried are approved;dutasteride is not yet approved

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have read your query and I have understood your concern.

Judging from distribution of hair loss you seem to have androgenetic alopecia.
Minoxidil and finasteride are approved remedies for androgenetic alopecia in males. While minoxidil is a non-specific hair growth promoter, finasteride is a specific inhibitor of type 1 isoform of 5-alpha reductase enzyme which is present in hair follicles and skin. Finasteride as well as Minoxidil are US FDA approved for androgenetic alopecia in males.
Dutasteride, in not yet approved for androgenetic alopecia, however, it is under trials for its use in androgenetic alopecia. The major concern with dutasteride is that it is a more extensive inhibitor of 5 alpha reductase, in that it inhibits both type 1 as well as type 2 isoform of this enzyme.
Unlike type 1 isoform of the enzyme, 5 alpha reductase, type 2 isoform is expressed in epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate and thus this drug has potential of being associated with sexual side effects like decreased libido and sexual drive, as compared to finasteride which mainly inhibits the cutaneous enzyme i.e type 1 isoform of 5 alpha reductase.
I would suggest you to just opt for minoxidil and finasteride and give dutasteride a miss. I also suggest that you visit a dermatologist in your region and explore more on this.

Regards



Brief Answer:
Finasteride

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Finasteride is approved in a dose of 1 mg for androgenetic alopecia. One tablet daily. It is always a good choice to consult a doctor rather than self medicating.

Regards
Take care
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9611 Questions

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Can Minoxidil-12.5% Be Used Along With Finasteride And Dutasteride For Hair Loss?

Brief Answer: Only minoxidil and finasteried are approved;dutasteride is not yet approved Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you for writing to us I have read your query and I have understood your concern. Judging from distribution of hair loss you seem to have androgenetic alopecia. Minoxidil and finasteride are approved remedies for androgenetic alopecia in males. While minoxidil is a non-specific hair growth promoter, finasteride is a specific inhibitor of type 1 isoform of 5-alpha reductase enzyme which is present in hair follicles and skin. Finasteride as well as Minoxidil are US FDA approved for androgenetic alopecia in males. Dutasteride, in not yet approved for androgenetic alopecia, however, it is under trials for its use in androgenetic alopecia. The major concern with dutasteride is that it is a more extensive inhibitor of 5 alpha reductase, in that it inhibits both type 1 as well as type 2 isoform of this enzyme. Unlike type 1 isoform of the enzyme, 5 alpha reductase, type 2 isoform is expressed in epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate and thus this drug has potential of being associated with sexual side effects like decreased libido and sexual drive, as compared to finasteride which mainly inhibits the cutaneous enzyme i.e type 1 isoform of 5 alpha reductase. I would suggest you to just opt for minoxidil and finasteride and give dutasteride a miss. I also suggest that you visit a dermatologist in your region and explore more on this. Regards Brief Answer: Finasteride Detailed Answer: Hi. Finasteride is approved in a dose of 1 mg for androgenetic alopecia. One tablet daily. It is always a good choice to consult a doctor rather than self medicating. Regards Take care