Hair-loss treatmentHair-loss treatmentA category of compounds used to treat androgen-related hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) by different mechanisms (e.g. reducing DHT or increasing follicle perfusion).
Finasteride vs Minoxidil
The table compares the compounds’ key data from their entry pages. Open each compound’s full entry for details. Educational content, not medical advice.
 Finasteride |  Minoxidil | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | 5α-reductase type II selective inhibitor. FDA-approved for androgenetic alopecia (Propecia 1 mg) and BPH (Proscar 5 mg). Reduces DHT formation by ~70%. | K-channel activator, topical or oral (Rogaine, Loniten + LDOM). Androgenetic alopecia treatment since 1988 – two administration routes with very different systemic exposure profiles. |
| ATC codeATC codeThe WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical code that classifies drugs by organ system and mechanism. | D11AX10 (1mg) / G04CB01 (5mg) | D11AX01 (topical); oral C02DC01 |
| Prescription | Prescription only (Rx) | Over-the-counter (OTC) topical; oral prescription only (Rx) |
| MechanismMechanism of actionThe molecular pathway by which a compound acts in the body (e.g. which receptor or enzyme it binds). | Selective 5α-reductase type II inhibition, ~70% DHT reduction | ATP-sensitive K-channel opener (vasodilator); activated by SULT1A1 |
| Half-lifeHalf-lifeThe time for the compound’s plasma concentration to fall by half; indicates how fast it clears and how often it is dosed. | 5-6 h plasma, 96+ h enzyme affinity | 22 h (topical); 3-4 h (oral) |
| OnsetOnsetThe time from dosing until a measurable effect appears. | 3-6 months (hair stabilization), 6-12 months (regrowth) | 2-4 months (visible hair regrowth) |
| Full entry | Open → | Open → |
What it is
Finasteride5α-reductase type II selective inhibitor. FDA-approved for androgenetic alopecia (Propecia 1 mg) and BPH (Proscar 5 mg). Reduces DHT formation by ~70%.
MinoxidilK-channel activator, topical or oral (Rogaine, Loniten + LDOM). Androgenetic alopecia treatment since 1988 – two administration routes with very different systemic exposure profiles.
ATC codeATC codeThe WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical code that classifies drugs by organ system and mechanism.
FinasterideD11AX10 (1mg) / G04CB01 (5mg)
MinoxidilD11AX01 (topical); oral C02DC01
Prescription
FinasteridePrescription only (Rx)
MinoxidilOver-the-counter (OTC) topical; oral prescription only (Rx)
MechanismMechanism of actionThe molecular pathway by which a compound acts in the body (e.g. which receptor or enzyme it binds).
FinasterideSelective 5α-reductase type II inhibition, ~70% DHT reduction
MinoxidilATP-sensitive K-channel opener (vasodilator); activated by SULT1A1
Half-lifeHalf-lifeThe time for the compound’s plasma concentration to fall by half; indicates how fast it clears and how often it is dosed.
Finasteride5-6 h plasma, 96+ h enzyme affinity
Minoxidil22 h (topical); 3-4 h (oral)
OnsetOnsetThe time from dosing until a measurable effect appears.
Finasteride3-6 months (hair stabilization), 6-12 months (regrowth)
Minoxidil2-4 months (visible hair regrowth)
Full entry