Finasteride (Propecia) is a common medication used to treat hair loss in men, but some men are choosing the more potent option Dutasteride (Avodart) and want to know if we recommend it.
Both Propecia and Avodart are dual 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, which means they prevent the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT is the hormone implicated in male pattern baldness. Avodart is not FDA approved to treat hair loss, unlike Propecia.
We recommend that patients undergoing surgical hair restoration take Propecia to slow down the balding process.
In addition to that obvious benefit, the drug can also strengthen weaker/miniaturized hair and decrease the chances of anagen effluvium (shock loss) occurring during the procedure.
There is little doubt that Avodart is the more powerful DHT blocker. But with that extra power comes a greater potential for side effects.
We recommend that patients start with Propecia, and if that doesn’t work, consider its bigger brother only after speaking to your doctor.