An open, randomized, comparative study of oral finasteride and 5% topical minoxidil in male androgenetic alopecia

This 2004 randomized controlled trial published in Dermatology (PMID: 15316165) compared the efficacy and safety of oral finasteride (1 mg/day) and 5% topical minoxidil in 65 men with androgenetic alopecia over 12 months. The clinical cure rate—measured by increased hair density—was significantly higher in the finasteride group (80%) compared to