Pharmaceutical treatments for hair loss use a manufactured chemical substance to affect the structure or function of the hair follicle in an attempt to stop or slow down hair loss and promote hair growth. Some medications work by causing hair follicles that have shrunk or shut down to enlarge and grow hair again. These medications may be used to treat temporary hair loss or permanent hair loss, such as male or female pattern baldness. These medications may be applied to the skin, taken orally or injected. These medications are available both by prescription and over-the-counter. The prescription medications may have undesirable side-effects and should be used as directed.
Minoxidil, commonly known as Rogaine, is an over-the-counter medication used in the treatment of male and female pattern baldness and alopecia areata, a temporary form of hair loss. Minoxidil is a liquid or foam that is rubbed into the scalp twice a day to grow hair and prevent further loss. The new hair resulting for the use of Minoxidil may be thinner and shorter than previous hair; yet there can be enough hair growth for some people to be able to hide their bald spots and have the new hair blend with the current hair. It may take as long as twelve weeks to notice new hair growth with this medication and new hair growth stops soon after you discontinue use.
The prescription medication finasteride (brand name Propecia) is used to treat male pattern baldness and is taken daily in pill form. Many men taking this medication experience a slowing of hair loss and some may even show new hair growth; however these positive results may take several months. Finasteride works by stopping the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that shrinks hair follicles and has been proven to be an important factor in male hair loss. Rare side effects include diminished sex drive and sexual function. Like minoxidil, the benefits stop if you stop using it. This medication is not approved for use by women; in fact it is very dangerous for women of childbearing age. Pregnant women should not even touch a crushed or broken finasteride tablet because absorption of the drug can cause serious birth defects in male fetuses.
Corticosteroids may be used to treat some forms of temporary hair loss; either through injections or oral tablets. Injections need to be repeated on a monthly basis, but new hair may be visible in as little as four weeks with this treatment. Anthralin is a topical cream or ointment that is typically used to treat psoriasis, but can be prescribed for the treatment of temporary hair loss. It may take up to twelve weeks for this medication to work.
The effectiveness of medications in the treatment of hair loss varies greatly due to causes of the hair loss and individual response to the medication. Generally, the more advanced the hair loss, the less effective the medication. If medications have not proven to be an effective treatment for your hair loss, there are other options. Surgical hair replacement may be an alternative and should be discussed with your physician.