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
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.
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