Efficacy of Topical Finasteride 0.25% With Minoxidil 5% Versus Topical Minoxidil 5% Alone in Treatment of Male Pattern Androgenic Alopecia

November 2024 | Volume 23 | Issue 11 | 1003 | Copyright © November 2024


Published online October 22, 2024

doi:10.36849/JDD.7826

Nazia Asad MDa, Maria Naseer MDb, Rabia Ghafoor MDc

aDepartment of Dermatology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan
bPMCH Shaheed Benazirabad, Department Dermatology Nawabshsh, Pakistan
cDepartment of Dermatology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract
Background: Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) (male pattern hair loss) is the most common form of alopecia in men, affecting 30% of men by the age of 30 years and 50% by the age of 50 years.
Objective: To compare the efficacy of topical finasteride 0.25% with minoxidil 5% versus topical minoxidil 5% alone in the treatment of male pattern androgenic alopecia.
Methods: A total of 164 male patients aged between 30 and 60 years, presenting with androgenic alopecia of more than 2 months duration, were included in this single-blind study conducted at the Department of Dermatology, JPMC, Karachi. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group A (topical finasteride 0.25% with minoxidil 5%) and Group B (topical minoxidil 5% alone). Patients were followed up for 12 weeks, and hair regrowth was assessed at each visit.
Results: The mean age in Group A was 33.99±5.97 years, and in Group B, it was 33.91±5.71 years. At baseline, the mean salt score was 1.8±0.7 in both groups. The efficacy of the treatment was significantly higher in Group A (86.7%) compared to Group B (69.1%; P=0.006).
Conclusion: The combination of topical finasteride 0.25% with minoxidil 5% provides superior efficacy in the treatment of male pattern androgenic alopecia compared to topical minoxidil 5% alone. These findings support the use of this combination therapy as a potential treatment option for patients with androgenic alopecia.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(11):1003-1008. doi:10.36849/JDD.7826

INTRODUCTION

Androgenic alopecia, commonly known as male pattern baldness, is a prevalent form of hair loss that primarily affects men. It is characterized by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors, particularly the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).1 DHT causes the hair follicles to shrink, leading to the production of thinner and shorter hair strands. Over time, this results in hair loss and baldness, typically starting at the temples and crown of the head.

The symptoms of androgenic alopecia in men include a receding hairline, thinning hair on the crown of the head, and overall hair loss on the scalp. The severity and progression of these symptoms can vary from person to person.

Several treatment options are available for androgenic alopecia in men. Medications such as minoxidil and finasteride are commonly used. Minoxidil is a topical solution or foam that is applied directly to the scalp to stimulate hair growth.2

Finasteride, on the other hand, is a prescription medication that blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, thereby reducing DHT levels in the scalp and slowing down hair loss.3

Hair transplant surgery is another option for men with androgenic alopecia. This procedure involves moving hair follicles from areas of the scalp where hair is still growing to areas where hair loss has occurred.

It is important to note that while these treatments can be effective in slowing down hair loss and promoting hair growth, individual results may vary. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider or dermatologist to discuss treatment options and determine the most suitable approach.

The current study aims to evaluate the efficacy of topical finasteride 0.25% in combination with minoxidil 5% compared to topical minoxidil 5% alone in the treatment of male pattern 
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