Propecia, a treatment for male pattern baldness, is effective in slowing hair loss and regrowing hair. While Propecia is helpful in treating men, it is not an appropriate treatment for women or children who experience hair loss, according to Drugs.com. Using Propecia daily is necessary for men who wish to maintain new hair growth.
Identification
Propecia is a brand name for the generic drug Finasteride. Finasteride was first used as a treatment for prostate gland enlargement, but during clinical trials, researchers noticed that the drug increased hair growth, according to the American Hair Loss Association. The drug is available in an oral form only.
Male Pattern Baldness
Male pattern baldness occurs when hair follicles are genetically sensitive to the effects of dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. DHT is a type of male hormone called an androgen. When hair follicles are sensitive to DHT, hairs begin to miniaturize and have a shorter lifespan than hairs in healthy follicles, according to the American Hair Loss Association. Hair loss due to male pattern baldness occurs at the top of the crown of head and at the hairline, eventually leaving only a fringe of hair surrounding a large bald spot if the condition is untreated.
Drug Action
The American Hair Loss Association reports that Propecia is effective in inhibiting Type II 5-alpha-reductace, a enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. Reducing the impact of the enzyme lowers DHT levels and prevents the miniaturization and more rapid loss of hair common in male pattern baldness.
Considerations
Finasteride works best for early to moderate degrees of hair loss, according to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. The Society also reports that men who have extensive hair loss are unlikely to experience much regrowth with Propecia and may be better candidates for surgical hair restoration.
Taking Propecia
Propecia tablets are taken once per day with water. It may take three months or longer for the drug to become effective. If the drug does not produce new growth or slow hair loss after 12 months of treatment, further treatment is unlikely to be of any benefit, according to Drugs.com.
Warning
Possible side effects of Propecia use include breast tenderness or swelling, testicular pain, sexual problems, dizziness, headache, rash, weakness, runny nose or swelling of the feet and hands. Difficulty breathing, hives and swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat are signs of an allergic reaction and require emergency medical care, according to Drugs.com. Pregnant women should avoid even handling Propecia tablets due to the increased risk of birth defects after exposure.
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