Pharmaceutical Hair Loss Treatment Options

Today there are two drugs that have been officially approved by the FDA for hair loss treatment. Although there are several other drugs on the market that have been effective in helping to prevent and fight hair loss, but they haven’t been specifically approved for hair loss treatment.

Drug Options

The most common drug for hair loss treatment is Propecia. Originally this drug was designed to help with enlarged prostate conditions, but it was approved for hair loss treatment in men. 83 percent of men maintain their hair count when on this drug and 64 percent had a re-growth of hair over a two year period.

The next medication for reducing DHT is Avodart, although it hasn’t been approved as a hair loss treatment by the FDA yet. Although this drug is showing promise as a treatment for hair loss. Not only does Avodart block the enzymes that covert into DHT, but is also helps to reduce the overall levels of DHT in a persons body by about 93 percent. Currently the FDA is studying this drug for approval as a hair loss treatment.

The only other FDA approved hair loss treatment is Minoxidil which is sold under the name Rogaine. It is also the only hair loss treatment that has been approved for both men and women. This drug has the benefit of stimulating re-growth which can help reverse the affects of androgenetic alopecia or pattern baldness. This treatment is often combined with Propecia to get the best results.

Retin-A is a well known acne treatment, but studies have shown that it can also help to stimulate hair re-growth. Scientists also believe this drug can help to enhance the absorption and penetration of minoxidil into the hair follicles. This is why several prescriptions are available that combine Retin-A and minoxidil.