Dutasteride is a 5α-reductase inhibitor that works by decreasing the production of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in tissues in the scalp. It acts on both type 1 and type 2 5α-reductase, and is markedly more efficacious than finasteride in the dual inhibition of DHT (~70% for Finasteride vs 90+% for Dutasteride). For many patients, Finasteride provides sufficient DHT blocking to produce high quality regrowth results; but it is generally regarded that Dutasteride is a superior regrowth option, and patients on it tend to see better restoration results. It also has a longer half-life, meaning that it acts longer throughout the day, and is a better option for less compliant patients, who are more likely to skip occasional applications. The question of which to prescribe typically comes down to costs and patient responsiveness to Finasteride vs Dutasteride. We’ve recently reduced the price of Formula 82D by over 20% to help make this an easier decision for doctors and their patients.

Formula 82D contains (5%) Minoxidil and (.75%) Dutasteride along with a topical steroid to improve efficacy and reduce irritation, complemented by other proprietary ingredients that improve the formulas’ overall effectiveness, stability and usability.

Dutasteride is not recommended for women and is generally available by prescription for men only.
See (Minoxidil-based) Formula 82M for women.