Minoxidil versus Finasteride

Minoxidil versus Finasteride

There are no blinded controlled trials comparing the response of male balding to minoxidil lotion and oral finasteride although one open study reported a greater degree of improvement in men taking finasteride compared
to those using 5% minoxidil lotion. In practice the decision comes down to patient preference. On the one hand, minoxidil is a little cheaper and it has been in use for longer so more is known about long-term safety.
On the other hand, it is more convenient to take a single tablet of finasteride daily than apply a lotion twice daily to the scalp.