Best treatments for alopecia
7 products may treat alopecia, spanning FDA drug classes such as 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, arteriolar vasodilator. The current highest-rated option is propecia. Ranked below by our independent recall-safety rating (rated where FDA data exists) — not medical advice; always consult a professional.
Quick answer: Of the 7 drugs we list for alopecia, all are available as lower-cost generics, spanning classes such as 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, arteriolar vasodilator. 6 of 7 carry a safety score, from 70 to 72 out of 100. They’re ranked by each drug’s FDA recall-safety record — not clinical effectiveness for alopecia — so confirm the right choice with your prescriber.
See the alopecia medications compared, ranked by our safety score →
Top-rated picks for alopecia: 1. Propecia · 2. Proscar · 3. Men's Rogaine
| # | Drug | Rating | Type | Form | Class | Generic? | Pharmacy pays | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 72/100 | Prescription | Tablet | 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor | Generic | $2 | View → | |
| 2 | 72/100 | Prescription | Tablet | 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor | Generic | $2 | View → | |
| 3 | 70/100 | Over-the-counter | Topical | Arteriolar Vasodilator | Generic | $5 | View → | |
| 4 | 70/100 | Over-the-counter | Solution | Arteriolar Vasodilator | Generic | $5 | View → | |
| 5 | 70/100 | Over-the-counter | Solution | Arteriolar Vasodilator | Generic | $5 | View → | |
| 6 | 70/100 | Over-the-counter | Topical | Arteriolar Vasodilator | Generic | $5 | View → | |
| 7 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Tablet | 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor | Generic | $2 | View → |
Narrow by drug class
Explore the class hubs: arteriolar vasodilator · 5-alpha reductase inhibitor
Full ranking · 7 treatments
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 formsmen's rogaine
Over-the-counterFDA-sourced
Men's Rogaine (Minoxidil) is an arteriolar vasodilator used to treat Alopecia, Malignant Hypertension.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$2.93/30· 3 forms Save up to 78% in classrogaine (for men)
Over-the-counterFDA-sourced
Rogaine (for Men) (Minoxidil) is an arteriolar vasodilator used to treat Alopecia, Malignant Hypertension.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$2.93/30· 3 forms Save up to 78% in classrogaine extra strength (for men)
Over-the-counterFDA-sourced
Rogaine Extra Strength (for Men) (Minoxidil) is an arteriolar vasodilator used to treat Alopecia, Malignant Hypertension.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$2.93/30· 3 forms Save up to 78% in classwomen's rogaine
Over-the-counterFDA-sourced
Women's Rogaine (Minoxidil) is an arteriolar vasodilator used to treat Alopecia, Malignant Hypertension.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$2.93/30· 3 forms Save up to 78% in classFrequently asked
- What treats alopecia?
- Our catalog lists 7 products that may treat alopecia, based on NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. They're rated where FDA recall-safety data exists; the current top-rated option is propecia.
- What is the best-rated treatment for alopecia?
- By our independent recall-safety rating — not an efficacy measure — propecia ranks highest among the products we list for alopecia. Always consult a professional.
- How are these treatments 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.
- What types of drugs treat alopecia?
- Treatments for alopecia span FDA drug classes including 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, arteriolar vasodilator. Compare every option side by side, ranked by independent rating, above.
Treatment associations are derived from NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. This is general reference, not medical advice — always consult a licensed professional.
Where this ranking comes from
Our score is computed from public FDA data — not from opinion, sponsorship or user votes. How we rate.
- FDA Drug Enforcement (recall) database — the recall history behind the safety score
- DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine) — the FDA labels we quote for uses, dosing and warnings
- Drugs@FDA — approvals, strengths and marketing status