FDA Approved Medications

Currently, there are only two US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medications used to treat baldness, these being Rogaine (Minoxidil) and Propecia (Finasteride). These medications stop the progression of hair loss and may also regrow new hair. 

Both these medications have been scientifically demonstrated to treat hair loss, hence they are the only proven products available to hair loss sufferers at present.

Medication of of course not suitable for everyone, so please consult your doctor prior to taking them. Medical studies have found that both medications are most effective when used by people under the age of 40, with positive benefits decreasing with increasing age. Additionally, with both medications, hair loss resumes once the medication is discontinued.

Rogaine (Minoxidil)

Rogaine, or Minoxidil, is thought to act by increasing blood flow to the follicle thus helping hair maintenance and facilitating regrowth, although any regrowth is lost upon cessation of the medication. This means that  Minoxidil needs to be applied daily and long-term. Rogaine, which is applied topically to the scalp, is effective for approximately 50% of users.

2% versus 5% Rogaine for Men

A 2002 clinical trial conducted on men only at the Duke Dermatopharmacology Study Center in Durham, North Carolina, compared the 5 percent minoxidil to results using the 2% minoxidil solution. The study showed that men experienced 45% more hair regrowth with the stronger solution. Additionally, users of the stronger solution experienced results sooner than did users of the 2% one.

An additional difference in the formulas, aside from concentration of the minoxidil ingredient, is that the 5% solution contains propylene glycol for better skin penetration, which makes the 5% medication more effective, whereas the 2% solution is alcohol based. Although both the alcohol- and propylene glycol-based preparations can irritate the scalp, propylene glycol can cause actual allergic reactions in those who are sensitive, which is where evaluating a patient’s skin and scalp carefully becomes important

Propecia (Finasteride)

Propecia, or Finasteride, on the other hand, works via inhibiting an enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT, thus lowering DHT levels and reducing the negative impact of this hormone on the hair follicle. Propecia also needs to be taken daily to maintain any regrowth. Once the medication is stopped, the hair gained or maintained is lost within a space of six to twelve months. Propecia is effective for 86% of users, with about half of the patients regrowing some hair, while the other half have hair loss stopped.

Side Effects

Both medications have some side effects. Some minor side effects include the growth of hair in unwanted places, some skin irritation and some itchiness. There are other more serious side effects with Propecia, including birth defects, which should be discussed carefully with your doctor is there is a pregnant person living in the household. Propecia is prescribed for men only, because of the potential for birth defects. Propecia also does not work in women undergoing menopause. Rogaine on the other hand, is more effective for women than men.