Review · Volume 13, Issue 1 · pp. 3–13

The Role of Finasteride in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia in Male: A Narrative Review

Anil Tumkur¹, Charmine Caryn Teo Cher Ern¹, Chang Ching Shuang¹, Amilia Chai Hui Yong¹, Chan Poh Yee¹, Chai Tze Leen¹, Lee Kah Lock¹, Nermesh Singh¹

¹School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA.

Abstract

The purpose of this review was to evaluate the role of finasteride, a type-II 5α-reductase inhibitor in the prevention and treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in males. Finasteride inhibits 5α-reductase and reduce the biosynthesis of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This inhibition marks a decrease in concentration of DHT and provides a novel and selective approach to androgen deprivation. Clinical trials have proven the safety and efficacy of tablet finasteride 1 mg for AGA. In this review, we discuss all aspects of finasteride, including dosing and indication, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics to its role in the treatment of AGA.

Keywords: Androgenic alopecia; DHT; Finasteride; Norwood-Hamilton scale; Safety

The full text of this article is available as a PDF. Open the PDF.