> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hi-doctor.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Topical dutasteride spray — a usage guide

> How prescribed dutasteride-only and dutasteride–minoxidil compounded sprays are used, dosed, and what to watch for.

This guide covers prescribed, pharmacy-compounded dutasteride sprays — 0.05% dutasteride, with or without 5% minoxidil. It is for people already prescribed one of these formulas, not a substitute for the prescribing doctor's instructions.

<Warning>
  Use only the prescribed pumps and frequency. Compounded sprays can differ in pump volume between pharmacies and **must not be substituted measure for measure**.
</Warning>

## How to use

Applying the spray is a short procedure, and the order matters — measure first,
then apply, then let it dry before anything touches it.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Use the pharmacy-labelled dose">
    Apply exactly as labelled by the dispensing pharmacy — the number of pumps and frequency are specific to that compounded formula.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Apply to scalp and let it dry">
    Apply to a dry, intact scalp, wash hands afterwards, and prevent transfer to other people or surfaces until fully dry. Do not use extra product after a missed application, and do not combine with oral dutasteride unless specifically prescribed.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Keep a simple record of the number of pumps used and whether the formula contains minoxidil — this prevents accidental duplicate treatment.
</Tip>

## Dose schedule

* **Daily, as labelled** — consistency matters more than any single application.
* **Review after several months** — the prescriber assesses scalp tolerance, systemic symptoms, adherence and standardised photographs, and continues the off-label compounded treatment only while it is considered suitable.

## What has been reported

| Category           | What has been reported                                                                                                                                                                   |
| ------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Scalp effects      | Redness, dryness, itching, flaking or burning can occur. A minoxidil-containing formula may also cause early shedding, or unwanted hair growth after accidental transfer.                |
| Whole-body effects | Dutasteride can cause sexual, breast, fertility or mood effects; minoxidil can cause dizziness, palpitations or swelling. Topical use reduces, but does not remove, these possibilities. |

## Contact your doctor if

* Chest pain, fainting, breathing difficulty, facial swelling, or a widespread rash
* A breast lump, severe mood change, persistent sexual symptoms, palpitations, or ankle swelling
* Wet product contacts a pregnant person, someone who could become pregnant, a child, or a pet

## Storage

Keep in the original pharmacy-labelled bottle, tightly closed, upright, and away from heat or flame. Follow the pharmacy's storage and use-by instructions exactly.

## What to expect

Hair treatment is gradual. Early shedding can occur, and photographs taken in the same light are more useful than day-to-day checking. The doctor normally reviews tolerance and progress after several months, and continues the treatment only while the balance of benefit and risk remains appropriate.

## Related reading

* [Finasteride — how it works and evidence](/library/medicines/finasteride)
* [Minoxidil — topical vs oral](/library/medicines/minoxidil)
* [Androgenetic alopecia](/library/conditions/androgenetic-alopecia)
* [Safety and eligibility](/essentials/safety)

## Start a consultation

<Card title="Hair-growth consultation" icon="stethoscope" href="https://hi-doctor.ai/consultation/hair-growth/1">
  Answer the hair-growth questionnaire and a registered doctor reviews it.
  They decide whether treatment is appropriate, which one, and at what dose —
  and declining is a normal outcome. See [what it costs](/essentials/pricing)
  and [how the review works](/essentials/how-it-works).
</Card>

<Warning>
  This page is reference information, not medical advice and not a prescription. Whether a medicine is appropriate for you is decided by a registered doctor after reviewing your consultation.
</Warning>