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