Hair Loss Medication

Medications are very effective to increase coverage of the scalp by growing new hair and slow thinning of hair. Patients should take these medications continuously.

There are various medications available to treat hair loss such as Finasteride, Minoxidil etc.

Alopecia Areata (form of hair loss) may be treated with corticosteroid creams or ointments and contact immunotherapy. These medications may stimulate hair growth and affect the immune system.

MEDICATIONS FOR HAIR LOSS

Finasteride

This medicine is available in the form of pill called by Propecia and prescribed by the health care provider to treat hair loss. It is not effective in women and Food and Drug Administration in U.S., is not approved this drug for women.

It is not taken in case of women who are suffered from hair loss, are pregnant or may plan to pregnant. It shows amazing after about four months.

Minoxidil

This medicine is a non-prescription and patient should use it two times a day. It is available OTC in a 5% form called by Rogaine. People should consult the pharmacist or doctor before taking this medicine. Nursing or pregnant women do not take this medicine.

Corticosteroid

Corticosteroid creams or ointments are very effective to increase the new hair on the scalp. Oral corticosteroids are taken by mouth. In some cases, it is injected into the scalp. This is the best way to treat patchy hair loss.

Contact immunotherapy

It is very effective therapy for alopecia areata (the form of hair loss). Diphenylcyclopropenone is common medication that is used to treat severe form of hair loss. This medicine is used in the form of paint on the scalp once a week. This therapy shows good results within three months of starting treatment. There can be some side effects of taking this medication such as swollen lymph and a severe rash.

Anthralin

It is available in the form of an ointment or a cream. This medicine is prescribed by the doctor for extensive hair loss. People can apply it to the scalp and wash off with water regularly. In cases of alopecia areata, it may stimulate new hair growth.

The types of medications depend on the form of hair loss. Other medications such as cyclosporine and anthralin are also used to treat hair loss. Sometimes, a combination of medication is used to increase hair growth such as Anthralin along with minoxidil.

Patients should not expect to regrow a full coverage of head of hair in case of taking medication. Take these medications continuously. Hair loss starts again, when patient stop using these medicines. People should not take or stop any medication without pharmacist or health care providers’ approval.