Head-to-head comparisons: Dermatologists rank efficacy of alopecia drugs
The researchers have suggested the agents and dosages most likely to work for men with hair loss
The 5-alpha reductase inhibitors dutasteride and finasteride are more effective than minoxidil in treating male androgenetic alopecia, a comprehensive head-to-head analysis of hair regrowth treatments shows.
Oral dutasteride also trumps finasteride in increasing total hair count, the Canadian researchers say, given its higher potency and extended half-life.
They added, however, that it remains an off-label treatment for male baldness in many countries, including the US and Australia.
Writing in JAMA Dermatology, the team analysed data on 15 regimens from 23 studies to compare the relative efficacy of various doses and administration routes for minoxidil and 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (5-ARI) monotherapy for androgenetic alopecia (AGA).
