There are many hair loss treatments available on the market, but only a few provide long term and visible results. Some treatments are backed by clinical studies while others may have no proven benefit. There are two medications available that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration, minoxidil and finasteride. Consult your doctor before trying any hair growth product, due to possible side effects.
Propecia
Propecia is one of the brand names for the medication finasteride. Propecia works by reducing dihydrotestosterone around the scalp. Dihydrotestosterone is a powerful sex hormone and is reported to cause 95 percent of hair loss in men. Propecia is taken in the form of a once-daily pill. It is currently only available to men due to major side effects experienced by women, including birth defects in pregnant women's fetuses. Clinical trials showed that nine out of 10 men experienced objective results. In 42 percent, hair loss stopped and in 48 percent hair loss stopped and new hair grew.
Proscar
Proscar is another brand name for finasteride, but is prescribed for the treatment of an enlarged prostate. Because some insurance companies may not reimburse patients for cosmetic prescriptions such as Propecia, doctors may prescribe Proscar off label in order to assist patients with medications that are reimbursable under an alternative condition.
Rogaine
Rogaine is a brand name for the medication minoxidil. It is a topical solution that is used for hair regrowth and hereditary hair loss. It is available for over the counter use and can be used by both men and women. It comes in both 2 percent and 5 percent solution as well as a 5 percent foam. It has been shown to be effective in the frontal scalp for 51 percent of men using the 5 percent solution and 42 percent of men using the 2 percent solution. Rogaine has been shown to be effective only if continuously taken, as any new hair will fall out if the treatments are discontinued.
Loniten
Loniten is a brand name for the medication minoxidil. It is a prescription taken in pill form. Clinical trials have shown that around eight out of 10 patients experienced moderate hair growth while taking the medication. Although minoxidil is generally safe as a topical solution, when taken in a pill form as in Loniten, it has been shown to have side effects such as water retention, increased heart rate, breathing difficulties and adverse interactions with other medications.
Retin A
Retin-A is a skin care medication that is prescribed off label for the treatment of hair growth. Retin-A may be prescribed with minoxidil-based products to increase its absorption into the hair follicle. Retin-A also affects hair growth by reducing the dihydrotestosterone found in hair follicles by clearing sebum from the pores.
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