Finasteride Topical Delivery Systems for Androgenetic Alopecia

Abstract

Androgenetic alopecia, generally recognized as male pattern baldness, is a gradually developing medical and physiological change, which is manifested by continuous hair-loss from scalp. Finasteride (4-aza-3-oxosteroid) is a potent anti-baldness compound that selectively and competitively inhibits the 5α-reductase isoenzymes. Prolonged oral use of finasteride leads to the emergence of sexual disorders including decrease in libido, gynecomastia, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorder, orgasm disorders and mood disturbances. Since, hair follicles widely home in 5α-reductase, topical formulations of finasteride in comparison to its oral formulations are expected to potentially reduce its systemic adverse effects. The analysis of literature has revealed some delivery systems developed for the enhanced and localized penetration of finasteride into the skin. These finasteride delivery systems include polymersomes, vesicular nanocarriers, vesicular ethosomal carriers, liposomes and niosomes, liquid crystalline nanoparticles, topical solutions and gels. The aim of this review article is to briefly amass all literature on topical delivery of finasteride to elaborate best dosage form, i.e. formulation having maximum permeation rate. This study will serve as a future perspective regarding topical delivery of finasteride. The literature analysis has exhibited that most of the previous investigators have used propylene glycol in their finasteride-loaded topical formulations, while poloxamer P407, monoolein, transcutol P and choline was used in few formulations. Moreover, among all drug delivery systems, finasteride liposomal gel system consisting of 2% methyl cellulose and gel system containing poloxamer P407 exhibited the highest flux with a value of 28.4 ± 1.3 µg/cm2h and 23.1 ± 1.4 µg/cm2h, respectively. Several topical drug delivery techniques such as topical microneedles, aerosol foams, nanoemulsions, microsponges, and emulsifier free formulations, fullerenes, ointments, pastes, creams, gel and lotions are still to be worthy regarding finasteride topical delivery in future.

<p>Drug Delivery System Based On Minoxidil Nanoparticles Promotes Hair Growth In C57BL/6 Mice</p>

“…This hair loss perturbs self-esteem, and this decrease in self-esteem may lead to dissatisfaction and depression. In the treatment of AGA, finasteride and its derivatives are approved and currently used,2 while Minoxidil (MXD), a vasodilator, is the most commonly used drug used as therapy for AGA. MXD exerts a vasodilator effect on hair follicles by leading directly to the proliferation of dermal papilla cells 3.…”

Regulation of stem cell fate by HSPGs: implication in hair follicle cycling

“…However, both present side effects limiting their efficacy in a still unclear mechanism. In particular, the Finasteride is known to induce sexual disorder when the oral use is prolonged 245 . The Minoxidil topical application required specific formulation known to induce inflammatory skin reaction, such as eczema and allergy in case of repetitive application 247 .…”

“…Studies are required to develop topical HS proteoglycan formula. However, some studies highlight possible vehicle or formula to induce the HS proteoglycan skin penetration such as polymersomes, vesicular nanocarriers, liposomes, nanoparticles, topical solutions and gels 245 . For example, in the case of wound healing, proteoglycans were topically applied using 30% glycerol formula 246 .…”

Dermatology today and tomorrow: from symptom control to targeted therapy

“…Emerging evidence suggests that topical finasteride may be a promising treatment modality with a less severe side‐effect profile than systemic therapy. A number of topical drug delivery formulations have been proposed for finasteride, including topical microneedles, aerosol foams, nanoemulsions, microsponges, emulsifier‐free formulations, fullerenes, ointments, pastes, creams, gels and lotions . The effect of a topical solution of 0.25% finasteride on scalp dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in men with AGA suggested that sexual side‐effects would be minimized compared with oral finasteride .…”