Dutasteride vs Finasteride
A side-by-side research comparison of Dutasteride and Finasteride across mechanism, dosing, half-life, benefits, side effects and research status.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Dutasteride | Finasteride |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Dutasteride (Avodart) | Finasteride (Propecia/Proscar) |
| Category | Hair Growth | Hair Growth |
| Status | FDA Approved (BPH) / Off-label hair loss | FDA Approved (hair loss & BPH) |
| Mechanism | Inhibits both type I and type II 5-alpha reductase isoenzymes, reducing serum DHT by ~90% and scalp DHT by ~50%. Prevents miniaturization of androgen-sensitive hair follicles in the vertex and frontal scalp. | Selectively inhibits type II 5-alpha reductase (predominant in hair follicles), reducing conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Serum DHT decreases ~70%, scalp DHT ~40%, allowing follicle recovery. |
| Molecular weight | 528.53 Da | 372.54 Da |
| Half-life | ~5 weeks (extremely long) | ~6-8 hours (but DHT suppression lasts 24h) |
| Bioavailability | ~60% oral | ~80% oral |
| Typical dose | 0.5 mg | 1 mg (hair) or 5 mg (prostate) |
| Frequency | Daily | Daily |
| Route | Oral capsule | Oral tablet |
Dutasteride reported benefits
- Superior DHT suppression vs finasteride
- Hair regrowth and thickening
- Reduced hair miniaturization
- Prostate volume reduction
- Effective for diffuse thinning
Finasteride reported benefits
- Halts hair loss progression (90% of men)
- Regrows hair (65% of men)
- Well-studied long-term safety
- FDA-approved
- Available generic
- Topical option available
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Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.