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Non-Approved Drugs That Can Help Hair Loss

At present only two medications have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of hair loss, namely finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil (Rogaine). While both of these continue to prove their worth to many patients, some individuals are disappointed with their results and seek other forms of treatment. Often they turn to drugs that have not been approved for the treatment of hair loss, but which have shown themselves over time to have a positive effect in dealing with this condition.

1. Avodart (dutasteride) – this is a new medication that is not yet approved for hair loss but which offers exciting possibilities for treating male patten baldness. It works in a similar way to Propecia which prevents one of two enzymes from converting testosterone into DHT thus blocking two thirds of DHT production.
Avodart takes this process a stage further by blocking both enzymes thus reducing overall DHT production by 93%. It is currently approved for the treatment of enlarged prostates and should not under any circumstances be taken by women of child bearing age.

2. Proscar (finasteride) – Propecia has become a valued weapon in the fight against male pattern baldness but it began life in the form of Proscar. In fact, the active ingredient is identical with Proscar containing a higher dose of 5 mg compared with Propecia’s 1 mg. Many men therefore assume that the higher dose is more effective in preventing the conversion of testosterone into DHT. The extent to which this is true is debatable although the basic facts do tell us Proscar blocks slightly more DHT formation. Some physicians feel its use is warranted in a small proportion of older men and women who previously have not responded to treatment with Propecia.

3. Tretinoin (Retin-A) – this is well known for the treatment of acne but medical studies have shown it also helps stimulate hair regrowth. Some experts argue that tretinoin enhances the absorption and penetration of minoxidil into the hair follicles. As a result, several formulas of tretinoin and minoxidil are available, generally only by prescription.

4. Tricomin – Tricomin is a superoxide dismutase formed from a metal complexed peptide, with copper as the key ingredient. This works as a hair growth stimulant by improving collagen synthesis and possibly repairing skin and hair function. An 80% response rate has been reported for Tricomin in early tests. Phase II FDA clinical trial results were released which reported positive growth effects. The manufactoring company has released a line of products which are available from doctors and mail order distributors. They are marketing the product as a cosmetic rather than going through FDA approval.

5. Ketoconazole Ketoconazole the main ingredient in shampoos like Nizoral, is a synthetic antifungal drug used to prevent and treat skin and fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised patients such as those with AIDS. Because it is both an anti-fungal, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor and a hair growth stimulant, it can help to slow the balding process. There has been some suggestion that ketoconazole could inhibit testosterone synthesis in utero, which could potentially inhibit genital development of a male fetus. However, this has not been documented in any controlled studies.

© 2007 Hairlossline – hair loss.