Dutasteride
Skin/Hair · 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (type I+II)
Tier B+
What this is
More effective for hair than finasteride, with correspondingly higher side-effect risk. 5-week half-life complicates dose changes / discontinuation. Often tried at reduced dosing (0.5 mg 2-3x/week) in AGA to balance efficacy and side effects.
Mechanism
Non-selective 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (types I and II); reduces DHT ~90%; more potent than finasteride; approved for BPH in US (Avodart); off-label AGA with stronger effect
Dose & route
0.5 mg/day PO
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16567248/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29057527/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8953751/
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This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.