Praktické lekárnictvo 1/2019
Over-the-counter drugs against hair loss
Hair loss is one of the frequent reasons why patients come to the pharmacy and try to solve their problems by self-treatment. This paper offers an overview of over-the-counter drugs and medicinal substances against hair loss which exist either in oral or topical route of administration. Although a wide range of products is available at the market only a few of them include registered drugs. They are usually food supplements and cosmetic products. Most medical substances lack the proof of efficiency. The only exception is minoxidil but its effect disappears after 3 to 4 months from the end of the application. Other used substances include caffeine, vitamins, minerals and other nutrition factors as well as extracts from medicinal herbs. Particular attention needs to be paid to pregnant and breast-feeding women – the best choice are products designed especially for them.
Keywords: over-the-counter drugs, hair loss, minoxidil, caffeine
