Preferred concentration of minoxidil for female androgenetic alopecia is?

Ans. is 'a' i.e., 2% * In female AGA results are similar with 2% and 5% minoxidil but side effects are more with 5% solution. Whereas in males 5% is more efficacious. Therefore in a female patient 2% minoxidil is preferred whereas in males 5% solution is the preferred choice.Treatment of androgenetic alopeciaA) In males1. Minoxidil (Topical) - A vasodilator, which prolongs anagen phase of cycle there by slows hair loss and stimulate new hair. Hair growth is temporary, hair fall restarts if medication is withdrawn - required lifelong.2. 5-a reductase inhibitors : - Finasteride inhibits type 2, 5a-reductase, which is responsible for conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone in hair follicles. As this prevent conversion of testosterone to DHT hair loss slows down (DHT is the major causative hromone in androgenetic alopecia). Dutasteride - combined type 1 and type 2, 5a-reductase inhibitor.3. Surgery - Punch graft, rotation flaps, scalp reduction, hair transplantation.B) In females1. Topical minoxidil - Same as for males2. Systemic antiandrogensa) Cyproterone acetate (with ethinyl estradiol) - blocks androgen receptors.(Note - Cyproterone acetate, ethinyl estradiol combination is Dianette.)b) Spironolactone - Blocks cytoplasmic receptors of DHT. It also weakly inhibits androgens biosynthesis.c) Flutamide - Acts by inhibiting androgen uptake and by inhibiting nuclear binding of androgens.d) Cemitidine - Has antiandrogenic action.