COMPARISON OF ORAL MINOXIDIL WITH ORAL DUTASTERIDE IN THE TREATMENT OF MALE ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA – A RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Androgenetic alopecia is a genetically predetermined disorder due to excessive response to androgens which affects up to 50% of males. MPHL is the most common hair loss disorder in men. The MPHL is a non-scarring progressive thinning of hair which causes psychological distress affecting quality of life of the patient. Although MAA is often regarded as a relatively minor dermatological condition, hair loss impacts self-image and is a great cause of anxiety and depression in some men. Though various modalities are available for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, assessment of efficacy of treatment must be considered. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To compare the efficacy of low dose oral minoxidil with that of low dose oral dutasteride. 2. To document the adverse effects associated with that of oral minoxidil and oral dutasteride. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After obtaining informed consent,64 male patients of age 18-30 years diagnosed to have androgenetic alopecia attending the Department of Dermatology, R L Jalappa Hospital and Research centre from March 2024 – August 2024 will be taken for the hospital based Comparative Interventional Study. Among 64 male patients with androgenetic alopecia, 32 patients are treated with oral minoxidil 5mg once daily and 32 patients are treated with oral dutasteride 0.5 mg thrice a week for a period of 12 months.

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RESULTS: Efficacy of treatment modality-assessed using means score of GPA Scale suggests significant improvement in both the groups initially but drastic improvement and patient satisfaction was observed in Group B with subsequent sittings compared to Group A. Patients in Group B had lesser side effects than Group A.