Finasteride Vs. Minoxidil: Drug Comparison

Finasteride is the active ingredient in the brand-name medication Propecia^®. The information below is about brand name Propecia. According to the FDA, “Generic medicines use the same active ingredients as brand-name medicines and work the same way, so they have the same risks and benefits as the brand-name medicines.”

Propecia (finasteride) is an oral medication used to treat male pattern hair loss by preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to pattern hair loss. It is typically prescribed to men experiencing hair thinning on the crown and the middle of the scalp. Propecia is taken once daily and can slow hair loss while promoting regrowth in some men. However, it may cause side effects such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and, in rare cases, depression and breast tenderness​.

Rogaine^® (minoxidil) is a topical medication used to treat hair loss and promote hair regrowth by stimulating hair follicles and increasing blood flow to the scalp. Its FDA-approved indication is for the treatment of male and female pattern baldness. Rogaine is available in both foam and solution forms and is applied directly to the scalp, typically once or twice daily. Common side effects include scalp irritation, itching, and unwanted facial hair growth in some cases. Caution is advised for individuals with scalp conditions or those using other topical products, and it should not be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women without consulting a healthcare provider.

Topical minoxidil is available in many formulations, including some meant for use in women. The information below is specifically about Mens Rogaine Extra Strength Unscented^® and may not be accurate for other formulations of topical minoxidil.

5α-reductase inhibitor

Vasodilator

Propecia (finasteride) is indicated:

• For the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men only

Rogaine^® (minoxidil) is used:

• To regrow hair on the top of the scalp

• Typically taken orally once daily

• Comes in 1 mg tablets

• Typically applied topically twice daily

• Comes in a topical solution with dropper

The most common adverse reactions, reported in ≥1% of patients treated with finasteride and greater than in patients treated with placebo are:

• Decreased libido

• Erectile dysfunction

• Ejaculation disorder

Stop use and ask a doctor if:

• Chest pain, rapid heartbeat, faintness, or dizziness occurs

• Sudden, unexplained weight gain occurs

• Your hands or feet swell

• Scalp irritation or redness occurs

• Unwanted facial hair growth occurs

• You do not see hair regrowth in 4 months

• Pregnancy

• Hypersensitivity to any components of this product

• For external use only

• For use by men only

• Flammable: Keep away from fire or flame

• Do not use if:

  • You are a woman

  • Your amount of hair loss is different than that shown on the carton or your hair loss is on the front of the scalp. 5% minoxidil topical solution is not intended for frontal baldness or receding hairline

  • You have no family history of hair loss

  • Your hair loss is sudden and/or patchy

  • You do not know the reason for your hair loss

  • You are under 18 years of age. Do not use on babies and children

  • Your scalp is red, inflamed, infected, irritated, or painful

  • You use other medicines on the scalp

• Propecia is not indicated for use in women or pediatric patients

• Women should not handle crushed or broken Propecia tablets when they are pregnant or may potentially be pregnant due to potential risk to a male fetus

• Propecia causes a decrease in serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels. Any confirmed increase in PSA while on Propecia may signal the presence of prostate cancer and should be evaluated, even if those values are still within the normal range for men not taking a 5α-reductase inhibitor

• 5α-reductase inhibitors may increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer

• Ask a doctor before use if you have heart disease

• When using this product:

  • Do not apply on other parts of the body

  • Avoid contact with the eyes. In case of accidental contact, rinse eyes with large amounts of cool tap water

  • Some people have experienced changes in hair color and/or texture

  • It takes time to regrow hair. Results may occur at 2 months with twice a day usage. For some men, you may need to use this product for at least 4 months before you see results

  • The amount of hair regrowth is different for each person. This product will not work for all men

• May be harmful if used when pregnant or breastfeeding

*This information is from the label for brand name Propecia^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Finasteride, the active ingredient in Propecia, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient finasteride.

*This information is from the label for Mens Rogaine Extra Strength Unscented^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Minoxidil, the active ingredient in Men Rogaine Extra Strength Unscented, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient minoxidil.