REVIEW PAPER
Risk associated with the use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors with minoxidil in treatment of male androgenetic alopecia – literature review
1
Intensive Care Unit, Oncology Centre, Katowice, Poland
2
Department of General and Oncological Surgery, Provincial Hospital of St. Luke, Tarnów, Poland
3
Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
J Pre Clin Clin Res. 2025;19(1):36-41
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction and objective:
Male androgenic alopecia (AGA), is an age-related, genetic, progressive condition affecting more than half of the male population over the age of fifty. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors combined with minoxidil, commonly used in AGA therapy, are associated with potential risk of side-effects. The aim of the article was to ascertain the risk connected with the use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors with minoxidil in AGA treatment.
Review methods:
A comprehensive evaluation of the literature was conducted utilizing the electronic databases: PubMed and Google Scholar. Key terms included “androgenic alopecia”, “finasteride”, “dutasteride”, “minoxidil”, “5α-reductase inhibitors”, “side-effects”, and variations of these terms. The literature review considered articles published between 2016 – 2024.
Brief description of the state of knowledge:
The only two drugs registered in the treatment of male AGA are finasteride 1mg and topical minoxidil. Most common side-effects of finesteride 1 mg are erectile dysfunctions, decreased libido and ejaculatory dysfunctions. Dutasteride is used in AGA therapy off-label and associated with similar side-effects as finasteride. The side-effects of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors usually pass after cessation of the therapy. Side-effects with topical minoxidil are highly uncommon. However, some patients using minoxidil 5% may suffer from scalp irritation, hypertrichosis and pruritus.
Summary:
5-alpha reductase inhibitors with minoxidil in AGA therapy, administered in accordance with the Polish Dermatological Society’s recommendations and the current state of medical knowledge, have a minimal risk of side effects.
Male androgenic alopecia (AGA), is an age-related, genetic, progressive condition affecting more than half of the male population over the age of fifty. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors combined with minoxidil, commonly used in AGA therapy, are associated with potential risk of side-effects. The aim of the article was to ascertain the risk connected with the use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors with minoxidil in AGA treatment.
Review methods:
A comprehensive evaluation of the literature was conducted utilizing the electronic databases: PubMed and Google Scholar. Key terms included “androgenic alopecia”, “finasteride”, “dutasteride”, “minoxidil”, “5α-reductase inhibitors”, “side-effects”, and variations of these terms. The literature review considered articles published between 2016 – 2024.
Brief description of the state of knowledge:
The only two drugs registered in the treatment of male AGA are finasteride 1mg and topical minoxidil. Most common side-effects of finesteride 1 mg are erectile dysfunctions, decreased libido and ejaculatory dysfunctions. Dutasteride is used in AGA therapy off-label and associated with similar side-effects as finasteride. The side-effects of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors usually pass after cessation of the therapy. Side-effects with topical minoxidil are highly uncommon. However, some patients using minoxidil 5% may suffer from scalp irritation, hypertrichosis and pruritus.
Summary:
5-alpha reductase inhibitors with minoxidil in AGA therapy, administered in accordance with the Polish Dermatological Society’s recommendations and the current state of medical knowledge, have a minimal risk of side effects.
Kuca M, Jaglarz K, Cholewa M, Wójcik J, Szymańska WM, Janeczek M, Partyka M, Kantor KK, Pamuła KW, Plewniok J. Risk associated with
the use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors with minoxidil in treatment of male androgenetic alopecia – literature review. J Pre-Clin Clin Res.
2025; 19(1): 36–41. doi: 10.26444/jpccr/199993
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