Minoxidil
1. What is Minoxidil?
Physician Promise brand that include minoxidil: PhysiPro Grow™ and PhysiPro Grow+™ Mechanism of action: potassium channel opener that delivers oxygen, blood, and nutrients to hair follicles when applied to the scalp
2. What does Minoxidil do for my hair?
It is a potent vasodilator and when applied to the scalp bring increased oxygen and blood flow to the hair follicles that lead to new hair growth
3. Is Minoxidil FDA approved?
Yes, minoxidil is FDA approved for hair loss treatments
4. Is Topical Minoxidil safe to use?
Yes. There are minimal side effects when applied directly to the scalp
Side effects may include:
- Redness to skin
Interesting fact!
Minoxidil was developed in the 1950s to treat ulcers but that failed. It was shown to be a potent vasodilator with unexpected side effect of hair growth! Thank you side effects for helping us get our hair back!
Finasteride
1. What is Finasteride?
Physician Promise brands that include finasteride: PhysiPro Grow™ and PhysiPro Grow+™ It is commonly used for hair loss or enlarged prostates.
Mechanism of action: 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor and decreases levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the prostate and scalp
For hair loss the dose is 1 mg every day for at least 3-6 months
2. What does Finasteride do for my hair?
It maintains or increases the amount of terminal hairs in the anagen phase of hair growth cycle
It is very effective in vertex pattern hair loss but can also work on other hair loss locations
It is effective in more than 80% of patients with hair regrowth in 3-5 months but needs to be taken daily
3. Is Finasteride FDA approved?
Yes, finasteride and minoxidil are the only FDA approved medications for hair loss.
4. Is Finasteride safe to use?
Yes. There are minimal side effects. Patients with liver disease should not use finasteride.
Side effects may include:
-
Less than 3% for the following:
Decreased libido
Premature ejaculation
Erectile dysfunction