Finasteride vs Minoxidil
A side-by-side research comparison of Finasteride and Minoxidil across mechanism, dosing, half-life, benefits, side effects and research status.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Finasteride | Minoxidil |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Finasteride (Propecia/Proscar) | Minoxidil (Rogaine) |
| Category | Hair Growth | Hair Growth |
| Status | FDA Approved (hair loss & BPH) | FDA Approved (OTC) |
| Mechanism | 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. | Opens ATP-sensitive potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle and hair follicle cells. Increases blood flow and nutrient delivery to follicles. Prolongs anagen (growth) phase and stimulates VEGF expression for neovascularization around follicles. |
| Molecular weight | 372.54 Da | 209.25 Da |
| Half-life | ~6-8 hours (but DHT suppression lasts 24h) | ~4 hours (systemic); active in follicle for 22h |
| Bioavailability | ~80% oral | ~95% oral; topical: local depot effect |
| Typical dose | 1 mg (hair) or 5 mg (prostate) | 5% topical (1mL 2x/day) or 2.5-5 mg oral |
| Frequency | Daily | Twice daily (topical) or once daily (oral) |
| Route | Oral tablet | Topical solution/foam or oral tablet |
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
Minoxidil reported benefits
- Stimulates new hair growth
- Works independently of DHT pathway
- OTC availability
- Effective for both sexes
- Prolongs anagen phase
- Can combine with any other treatment
Related comparisons
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.