Topical Prostaglandin Analogues in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review of Clinical Evidence
April 2026
in “
International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
”
TLDR Topical prostaglandin analogues may improve hair density in androgenetic alopecia, but more research is needed.
This systematic review evaluates the clinical evidence for topical prostaglandin analogues in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Six primary studies were included, highlighting that latanoprost 0.1% significantly increased hair density in a small study of 16 men. Four studies on topical cetirizine 1% showed improved hair density with good tolerability in both genders. However, the oral GPR44 antagonist setipiprant did not outperform placebo in a larger study of 169 participants. Despite promising biological rationale, no prostaglandin analogue is currently approved for AGA, and existing studies are limited in scale and duration. Larger, long-term randomized controlled trials are needed to establish their efficacy and safety for routine use.