Hair loss pills in Malaysia: oral minoxidil and finasteride, how they work and what to expect

Tablets for hair loss have become far more popular than lotions in recent years, mainly because a pill is easier to stick with than applying a liquid twice a day. The two main options are low-dose oral minoxidil, which helps hair grow, and finasteride, which protects follicles from the hormone that shrinks them in male pattern baldness. This guide explains how they work, what to expect and how to use them safely.

In short: low-dose oral minoxidil (often 0.5 to 5 mg a day) works for both men and women; finasteride 1 mg is for men only. Hair shedding may increase briefly in the first weeks, visible improvement usually takes 3 to 6 months, and treatment needs to continue to keep the results. A doctor should check your blood pressure, heart health and other medicines first.

Why hair thins

The most common cause in both men and women is androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss). In men, the hormone DHT gradually shrinks hair follicles at the temples and crown. Women usually notice a wider parting and thinning on top. Other causes include stress or illness (telogen effluvium), low iron, thyroid problems and rapid weight loss, so a doctor may suggest blood tests first. Read our hair loss treatment guide for the full picture.

Oral minoxidil: how it works

Minoxidil was first made as a blood pressure tablet. Doctors noticed it caused hair growth, which led to the minoxidil lotion. At much lower doses than those used for blood pressure, the tablet is now widely used for hair loss. It is thought to work by improving blood flow to the follicle and extending the growth phase of the hair cycle.

• Usual doses: women often 0.5 to 2.5 mg a day; men often 1.25 to 5 mg a day. Your doctor starts low and adjusts.
• Reviews of the studies show it works about as well as the topical lotion for most people, and many find it easier to take every day.

Finasteride: how it works

Finasteride blocks the enzyme that turns testosterone into DHT. Lower DHT means the follicles stop shrinking. At 1 mg a day it stops further hair loss in most men and regrows some hair in many. It is not for women who could become pregnant, because it can affect a male baby's development.

What to expect, month by month

Side effects

Oral minoxidil:

• extra hair growth on the face or body (the most common side effect, and dose-related);
• ankle swelling, a faster heartbeat, dizziness or headache;
• rarely, chest pain or breathlessness, which need a doctor straight away.

Finasteride: a small number of men notice lower sex drive or erection problems, which usually improve if the tablet is stopped. Some people report mood changes; tell your doctor if you feel low.

Who should not take hair loss pills without specialist advice

• people with heart disease, heart failure, low blood pressure, or on blood pressure medicines;
• women who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding;
• people with kidney or liver disease;
• for finasteride: men with a history of depression, and anyone having a PSA test for the prostate (tell your doctor, as finasteride lowers the reading).

Combination tablets at CarePlus Clinic

Our CAREPLUS Hair Growth Tablets combine low-dose minoxidil with biotin, B vitamins and zinc, plus finasteride in the men's formula, so you take one tablet a day. Because they contain prescription medicines, our doctor checks your health and medicines before they are supplied and follows you up. WhatsApp +60 11-2615 1500 to ask our doctor whether they suit you.