Researchers found that oral dutasteride 0.5 mg was the most effective treatment for increasing hair density in male androgenetic alopecia, producing a mean improvement of 19 hairs/cm² compared with control (SUCRA = 95.8%). The analysis included 24 randomized controlled trials comparing FDA-approved and over-the-counter options, such as finasteride, minoxidil, melatonin, and rosemary oil. Oral finasteride 1 mg and topical minoxidil 5% also demonstrated substantial efficacy, with mean gains of 12 and 20 hairs/cm², respectively. The findings reinforce the clinical superiority of oral dutasteride over other pharmacologic and nonprescription therapies for male pattern hair loss.

Source: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology