Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of 5% minoxidil and 1 mg finasteride in Male Patients of Androgenetic Alopecia

Abstract

Objective: Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) is a common cause of hair loss among male. Two FDA approved drugsminoxidil and finasteride seems to be more promising for its treatment. This study compares both the drugs in term of efficacy & safety. Methods: About76 patients enrolled in Group-A &70 patients in Group-B were treated with topical 5% minoxidil 1 ml twice daily& oral 1 mg finasteride once daily respectively. Evaluation of efficacy: parameters-Scalp hair counts & Investigator assessment. Evaluation of safety was done by Clinical Evaluation and Adverse Event Reports. After completion of study hair count was 25.07% & 41.72% in Group-A & B respectively with p-value < 0.05. Investigator assessment: About 7 patients showed marked improvement in Group-A, while 31 patients in the Group-B. Safety Evaluation: irritation of the scalp observed in 15% patients and Hypertrichosis of facial hair in 3% patients in Group A, loss of libido observed in 3.2% patient in Group B. Conclusion: Both drugs were effective and safe in the treatment of AGA. Oral finasteride was found to be more effective (p<0.05).