Finasteride, known by its brand names Proscar and Propecia, is a medication originally developed by Merck as a treatment for enlarged prostate glands (Proscar). However, during clinical trials, an intriguing side effect of hair growth was observed in men with prostate problems. This led Merck and Company to pursue the possibility of developing finasteride as the first pill to treat male pattern baldness…

Used for: Male Pattern Baldness

Oral minoxidil has been used for the treatment of androgenic alopecia for many years by hair loss specialists. However, in December of 2020, Dr. Sergio Vañó Galván presented groundbreaking research at the Global Hair Loss Summit that sparked renewed interest in this 50-year-old medication’s potential to treat various forms of hair loss, including androgenic alopecia…

Used for: Male Pattern Baldness, Female Pattern Baldness

Topical dutasteride is another off-label treatment option for androgenic alopecia. Like topical finasteride, it works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT. However, topical dutasteride blocks both type 1 and type 2 5-alpha reductase enzymes, which makes it a more potent DHT blocker than topical finasteride…

Used for: Male Pattern Baldness

Topical finasteride is a formulation of finasteride that is applied directly to the scalp in the form of a solution or foam. Unlike oral finasteride, which is taken as a pill, topical finasteride is applied locally to the scalp and is absorbed through the skin. It is commonly used for the treatment of male pattern baldness (MPB) and has gained popularity due to its potential to reduce systemic side effects associated with oral finasteride…

Used for: Male Pattern Baldness

Minoxidil (brand name Rogaine) was the first drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of male pattern baldness. It was initially developed as an oral medication for high blood pressure by Upjohn in the late 1950s. However, during clinical trials, researchers observed an interesting side effect – hair growth in unexpected places such as the face and hands. This led to the development of…

Used for: Male Pattern Baldness, Female Pattern Baldness

Dutasteride, marketed under the brand name Avodart, was initially approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001 for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. Dutasteride works by blocking both type 1 and type 2 5-alpha reductase enzymes, which are responsible for converting testosterone into…

Used for: Male Pattern Baldness

Originally developed as a diuretic and antihypertensive medication, Spironolactone has been widely used to treat conditions like heart failure, hypertension, and fluid retention (edema) associated with liver or kidney disease. Its anti-androgenic properties have made it effective in treating hormonal conditions like acne, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and female pattern…

Used for: Female Pattern Baldness

Topical Spironolactone, while retaining the anti-androgenic properties of its oral form, is applied directly to the scalp to minimize systemic absorption and side effects. It targets the same mechanism of androgen blockage at the site of hair loss, making it a treatment consideration for both male and female pattern hair loss, especially for individuals seeking…

Used for: Male Pattern Baldness, Female Pattern Baldness

Kenalog (Triamcinolone Acetonide) injections are a form of corticosteroid treatment primarily used to reduce inflammation in various conditions, including arthritis, skin diseases, and allergic reactions. For hair loss, particularly alopecia areata, which encompasses not just patchy hair loss but also more severe forms like totalis (loss of all scalp hair) and universalis (loss of all body hair),…

Used for: Alopecia Areata

JAK inhibitors, such as Olumiant (Baricitinib), were initially developed to treat inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. Their role in alopecia areata treatment is based on blocking Janus kinase enzymes, which are key players in the pathway leading to the immune attack on hair follicles. By interfering with this pathway, JAK inhibitors can prevent hair…

Used for: Alopecia Areata

Prednisone is a corticosteroid used to treat a myriad of conditions involving inflammation and autoimmune responses, including asthma, allergic reactions, ulcerative colitis, and arthritis. Its efficacy in alopecia areata derives from its potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, which can temporarily halt the immune-mediated attack on hair follicles. Due to…

Used for: Alopecia Areata

Methotrexate is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) originally used in chemotherapy at higher doses and for the management of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis at lower doses. Its immunosuppressive action can be beneficial in treating alopecia areata by reducing the immune system’s attack on hair follicles…

Used for: Alopecia Areata

Bimatoprost is a prostaglandin analogue initially approved for treating ocular conditions such as glaucoma and ocular hypertension by reducing intraocular pressure. Its cosmetic application for enhancing eyelash growth led to its off-label exploration for scalp hair loss. Applied topically, Bimatoprost may stimulate hair follicle activity and promote growth, though its effectiveness…

Used for: Male Pattern Baldness, Female Pattern Baldness

Naltrexone, in its standard dose, is approved for the treatment of alcohol and opioid dependence. However, at low doses, it has a paradoxical immunomodulating effect, reducing inflammation and autoimmune activity. This has led to its experimental use for a range of conditions, including chronic pain and autoimmune diseases, and more recently, for hair loss…

Used for: Alopecia Areata

Antihistamines are primarily used to relieve symptoms of allergies, such as runny nose, itching, and sneezing, by blocking the action of histamine. The idea behind their use in hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata, is based on their anti-inflammatory properties and the role of histamine in hair follicle regulation. Though not a primary treatment,…

Used for: Alopecia Areata