Effects of a novel finasteride 0.25% topical solution on scalp and serum dihydrotestosterone in healthy men with androgenetic alopecia

Abstract

The novel finasteride 0.25% solution applied o.d. at the doses of 100 and 200 μL results in an appropriate inhibition of scalp DHT potentially minimizing the untoward sexual side-effects linked to a systemic DHT reduction.

A randomized, double‐blind controlled study of the efficacy and safety of topical solution of 0.25% finasteride admixed with 3% minoxidil vs. 3% minoxidil solution in the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia

“…19,20 Therefore, 0.25% finasteride solution has been suspected to be an optimal concentration in order to yield therapeutic benefits and minimize systemic drug absorption. From the recent studies, the ability of 0.25% finasteride solution in reducing plasma and scalp DHT levels was demonstrated to be equivalent to that of finasteride 1 mg daily while the plasma exposure was about 9-fold lower.…”

Differences in reproductive toxicology between alopecia drugs: an analysis on adverse events among female and male cases

“…Previous research indicated that the route of administration could greatly influence the degree of toxicity, and oral administration was usually more risky than external use [54]. Because of that, it is worth trying to change the route of administration [55] or adjust the oral dosage [56] of finasteride, so as to reduce the toxic effects.…”

Addressing Androgenetic Alopecia-A Complex Disorder-with a Multilateral Treatment Strategy

“…In order to avoid such side effects, many of the research groups have theorized and explored the strategy of administering finasteride directly to the scalp through topical delivery. 29,30 In fact, in a shortterm study topical finasteride solution (0.25%), with significantly lesser systemic exposure, generated almost same inhibitory effects on plasma DHT levels as that observed with 1 mg per day oral finasteride administration. 30 In a separate intermediate-term study, topical gel containing 1% finasteride was found to be as efficacious as 1 mg per day oral finasteride.…”

“…29,30 In fact, in a shortterm study topical finasteride solution (0.25%), with significantly lesser systemic exposure, generated almost same inhibitory effects on plasma DHT levels as that observed with 1 mg per day oral finasteride administration. 30 In a separate intermediate-term study, topical gel containing 1% finasteride was found to be as efficacious as 1 mg per day oral finasteride. 31 In addition, the approach of delivering finasteride via topical route opens up several new possibilities such as combining topical minoxidil with topical finasteride which may improve overall efficacy, reduce potential health risks and provide superior patient compliance.…”