Hair loss drugs are usually prescribed to people with severe hair loss problems. This is also an alternative treatment for people who do not want to go for surgery. The effectiveness of each medication varies according to the cause of the hair loss though. So you better be aware of the options. Read about these drugs first before you take it to solve your problem.
Among a list of medications to prevent hair loss, there are four popular types sold in the market. These ones are Minoxidil, Finasteride, Corticosteroids and Anthralin. As mentioned awhile back, each of these medications have their own ways to target hair loss. Find out about what is in store for you when you consider taking these medications as treatment for hair loss.
Hair Loss Drugs # 1 – Minoxidil
This hair loss drug can be bought over the counter with any prescription. Minoxidil is more commonly known as Rogaine. This medication is an approved treatment for alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia. It comes in foam or liquid form and it is available in 2% solution or 5% solution. It is a topical solution that is rubbed onto the scalp twice a day. Minoxidil slows down hair loss and it promotes hair growth.
Hair Loss Drugs
The new hair growing as a result of minoxidil may be thinner than your natural hair. The effect can be seen only after 12 weeks. If you do not see results within six months, you may discontinue using this medication. One side effect of this medication is scalp irritation.
Hair Loss Drigs # 2 – Finasteride
Finasteride is more commonly known as Propecia. You need to have a prescription to be able to buy this hair loss drug. This medication comes in pill form and should be taken once daily. Finasteride is used to treat male-pattern baldness. It works by stopping the modification of testosterone into DHT.
Finasteride slows down hair loss and make new hairs grow. The result can be experienced within several months. The reported side effect of this hair loss drug is the decrease in sexual drive and sexual function.
Finasteride is not prescribed for women. This medication is harmful to women within the childbearing age. Pregnant women should never handle crushed or broken finasteride because it may cause birth defects especially to male fetuses.
Hair Loss Drugs # 3 – Corticosteroids
Corticosteroid is a hair loss drug that is directly injected into the scalp. This medication is used to treat alopecia areata. The injection must be done once a month. The results may be seen four weeks after the injection.
Corticosteroids also come in pills, ointments and creams. Corticosteroid pills are prescribed for people who are experiencing extensive hair loss caused by alopecia areata. Ointments and creams, however, are not as effective as the injection.
Anthralin
Anthralin is also known as Drito-Scalp. This hair loss treatment may come in cream or ointment form. It is applied daily onto the scalp for a few minutes then it must be washed off thoroughly. It is commonly used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis. Anthralin is good in promoting hair growth for people with alopecia areata. The results may be observed 12 weeks after the first use.
Hair loss drugs are effective but it is also lists the high risk of side effects. You should also be aware that some medications only treat a specific hair loss condition. In addition to that, some hair loss drugs are designed for a specific gender. That is why it is better to consult your physician first before taking any medication. Otherwise, you may suffer the consequences of self-medicating later on.
Related posts:
