Comparison between "5 minoxidil plus 2 flutamide" solution vs. "5 minoxidil" solution in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia is defined as a patterned hair loss resulting from the effect of androgen on hair follicles and characterized by non-scarring, progressive miniaturization of the hair follicles. Minoxidil and finasteride are regarded as the first-line treatments with antiandrogens and flutamide are considered as the alternative choices. In the current study, we evaluated the efficacy of combination therapy with topical 2flutamide plus 5 minoxidil vs. 5 minoxidil alone in the treatment of the androgenetic alopecia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial in 40 patients with androgenetic alopecia. Patients were randomized to receive either topical minoxidil vs. topical flutamide plus minoxidil for 6 months. At the end of study, patients were compared regarding mean hair density and mean hair thickness and patient's satisfaction. Collected data were analyzed using t-test, Ki square, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. RESULTS: Topical flutamide plus minoxidil solution was significantly more effective than minoxidil in terms of hair density, hair thickness, and patient's satisfaction (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Topical hydroalcoholic solution of flutamide plus minoxidil may be promising treatment for the androgenetic alopecia. To better evaluate the efficacy of topical flutamide, more prolonged studies with higher number of patients and use of different vehicles and different ingredients are recommended.