Best 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor for alopecia
The 3 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor options we list for alopecia are all Finasteride— the same active ingredient in different brands or formulations, so they aren’t ranked against each other on effectiveness. Our score reflects each product’s FDA recall-safety record; the practical choice is brand vs generic, dose, and cost. Compare them with all treatments for alopecia or the full 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor class. Not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Quick answer: Of the 3 5-alpha reductase inhibitor drugs we rate for alopecia, all are available as lower-cost generics, and most are tablet. Our ranking reflects each drug’s FDA recall-safety record — not clinical effectiveness for alopecia; the right choice depends on your situation, so confirm it with your prescriber.
Other drug classes for alopecia
These are all Finasteridein different brands or formulations, so we don’t rank them against each other — the list below is for comparing brand vs generic, dose, and typical cost, not for picking a “best” one on effectiveness.
All 3 5-alpha reductase inhibitor products
propecia
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Propecia (Finasteride) is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor used to treat Alopecia, Hirsutism, Prostatic Hyperplasia, Prostatic Neoplasms.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$1.26/30· 2 formsproscar
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Proscar (Finasteride) is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor used to treat Alopecia, Hirsutism, Prostatic Hyperplasia, Prostatic Neoplasms.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$1.26/30· 2 formsfinasteride
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor used to treat Alopecia, Hirsutism, Prostatic Hyperplasia, Prostatic Neoplasms.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$1.26/30· 2 formsFrequently asked
- What is the best 5-alpha reductase inhibitor for alopecia?
- The 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor options we list for alopecia are all Finasteride — the same active ingredient in different brands or formulations — so there's no single "best" one on effectiveness; the practical choice is brand vs generic, dose, and cost. Always consult a professional.
- Which 5-alpha reductase inhibitor drugs treat alopecia?
- pharmaranks lists 3 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor products used for alopecia, per NIH RxClass drug-classification data — each independently rated and ranked above.
- How are these ranked?
- By our independent score, currently based on FDA regulatory recall-safety data (the methodology blends additional sources as they come online). See the How we rate page.