Dutasteride and finasteride have similar risk profiles despite Dutasteride blocking more types of 5AR in the brain. Some users report no mood issues with either drug, and it is suggested that Dutasteride's larger molecular size may limit its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Dutasteride has a larger volume of distribution than finasteride due to its lipophilic nature, allowing it to concentrate in hydrophobic areas and making it difficult to excrete. A user experiencing hair loss has been using oral finasteride for 10 months with minimal regrowth and is considering switching to dutasteride or adding oral minoxidil.
Topical finasteride that doesn't penetrate the skin could potentially treat hair loss without side effects. Current challenges include finding a formulation that remains on the scalp without increasing blood levels.
PP405 is a safer alternative to JXL069 for hair loss treatment because it penetrates the skin effectively and degrades in the blood, avoiding systemic toxicity. JXL069, when forced into the body, can cause dangerous side effects like lactic acidosis due to its inability to degrade safely.
The conversation discusses the potential benefits of creating a hydrophobic version of finasteride to reduce systemic side effects while maintaining scalp health. It compares this idea to fluridil, which is designed to be hydrophobic and has less systemic absorption.