Pattern Hair Loss Support
OtherTopicalNon sterile Rx only

Minoxidil / Finasteride Topical Solution (TrichoSol®)

Topical Solution Vehicle

A compounded scalp solution with minoxidil and finasteride in Fagron's TrichoSol base, prepared in Chino, CA to a prescriber's order. Not FDA approved.

Reviewed by Linda Pungpravat, Compounding Pharmacist, RPh Mixwell Compounding Pharmacy, Chino, CA

  • USP <795> compliant
  • USP <800> hazardous drug lab
  • PCCA member

Clinical Advantages

  • Multiple actives in one base
  • Custom strength available
  • Applied topically
  • Non sterile preparation

How It Works

What are minoxidil and finasteride?

Minoxidil and finasteride are both used for male pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia, in different forms. Minoxidil 5% topical solution is sold over the counter for men, to regrow hair on the top of the scalp [1]. Finasteride is a prescription tablet for men only (Propecia, 1 mg), and it belongs to a group of medicines called 5 alpha reductase inhibitors [2]. No FDA approved product combines the two, and no finasteride product is approved for use on the scalp [3].

What compounding in TrichoSol provides

TrichoSol is a compounding base made by Fagron. Fagron describes it as:

  • A water based (hydrophilic) solution made for application to the scalp and hairy skin, described as highly spreadable and gentle to the scalp
  • A base that is free of alcohol and propylene glycol
  • Made with mineral salts of vegetable origin, and free of fragrances, dyes, parabens, mineral oil, SLS, and 1,4 dioxane
  • Compatible with both water soluble and fat soluble medicines
  • A vehicle for minoxidil at concentrations up to 7%, without heating

Compounding in this base puts both medicines in one scalp solution, at strengths the prescriber sets. These are the manufacturer's descriptions, not findings by the FDA [4]. The base itself is described as free of alcohol. Ingredients the pharmacist adds to dissolve the medicines can change that, so ask Mixwell for the ingredient list of your preparation.

When prescribers choose it

  • Dermatologists and hair restoration practices treating male pattern hair loss
  • Prescribers whose patients want both medicines in one scalp solution
  • Prescribers who want a strength that over the counter minoxidil products do not offer

Clinical Details

What does the evidence show?
  • Minoxidil topical solution 5% is sold over the counter for men. Its Drug Facts label says to use it to regrow hair on the top of the scalp, and that continued use is necessary to keep the regrowth [1].
  • Finasteride is FDA approved as a 1 mg tablet (Propecia) for the treatment of male pattern hair loss in men only. It is not indicated for use in women [2].
  • The FDA states that there is no FDA approved topical formulation of finasteride and that compounded topical finasteride products do not have FDA approved labeling. Its alert names topical finasteride sold in combination with other ingredients, such as minoxidil [3].
  • The FDA has not reviewed this preparation.

Findings come from the cited studies and do not promise any individual outcome.

Why is it compounded, and how is it typically used?

Why it is compounded

Finasteride is FDA approved only as an oral tablet, and minoxidil is sold over the counter as a topical in fixed strengths [1][2]. No approved product combines them or applies finasteride to the scalp [3]. A prescriber who wants both in one scalp solution orders it compounded.

Dosage forms and strengths

  • Strength of each medicine set by the prescriber
  • TrichoSol base
  • Quantities matched to the prescription

Dosing and monitoring are the prescriber's decision.

How Mixwell prepares it

Mixwell compounds this solution in Chino, California under USP 795 standards for non sterile preparations, in a facility with a USP 800 negative pressure containment room [5]. Our pharmacist confirms the strengths and application directions with the prescriber before compounding. Batch records document every preparation, and finished solutions ship across California.

Safety information

The FDA states that compounded topical finasteride products lack FDA approved labeling and carry potential serious risks. Between 2019 and 2024 it received 32 adverse event reports, many saying the events continued after the product was stopped, and some consumers said they had not known the risks. The FDA asks providers to educate patients about those risks, including handling by and transfer to female individuals [3].

Oral finasteride is contraindicated in pregnancy. Its label says women who are or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken tablets, because finasteride can be absorbed and may harm a male fetus. The oral tablets are coated to prevent contact with the medicine, and the FDA notes that compounded topical products have no such coating [2][3]. Propecia labeling lists decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorder, and reports of depression and suicidal thoughts [2].

The minoxidil Drug Facts label says: for external use only; do not use if the scalp is red, inflamed, infected, irritated, or painful; ask a doctor before use if you have heart disease; and stop use and ask a doctor if chest pain, rapid heartbeat, faintness, or dizziness occurs. It may be harmful if used when pregnant or breast feeding. If swallowed, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 [1].

No FDA labeling states how much of each medicine is absorbed from this solution. Patient selection, dosing, and monitoring are the prescriber's responsibility.

References
  1. Minoxidil topical solution USP, 5% (for men). Drug Facts. DailyMed. DailyMed
  2. PROPECIA (finasteride) tablets. Prescribing information. DailyMed. DailyMed
  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA alerts health care providers, compounders and consumers of potential risks associated with compounded topical finasteride products. April 2025. FDA
  4. TrichoSol. Product information. Fagron. Fagron US Fagron international
  5. United States Pharmacopeia. General Chapters 795 and 800. USP NF.

What to include on the prescription

  • APIs and strengths
  • Base or vehicle
  • Quantity
  • Directions for use
  • Refills
  • Allergies or dye free needs
Call (909) 378-7301 Fax (909) 378-7071

Related Solutions

Spironolactone 5% Topical Gel (WO6® Anhydrous)GEL Commonly prescribed for Pattern Hair Loss Support

Compounded in Chino, CA. Delivered across California.

  • Chino
  • Chino Hills
  • Ontario
  • Pomona
  • Diamond Bar
  • Rancho Cucamonga
  • Eastvale
Mixwell Compounding Pharmacy 13788 Roswell Ave, Ste 158, Chino, CA 91710
(909) 378-7301

Compounded medications are not reviewed or approved by the FDA. Dispensed only with a valid prescription. Mixwell is a non sterile pharmacy and does not prepare sterile products or injectables. Compounded preparations are not presented as superior to commercially available products, and nothing here promises a specific result. Mixwell does not accept insurance. Call for pricing.

Call pharmacist Send Rx

Want to learn more about Minoxidil / Finasteride Topical Solution (TrichoSol®)

Are you a healthcare provider or patient in Chino, Chino Hills, Ontario, Eastvale, Rancho Cucamonga, or Upland? Mixwell Pharmacy provides specialized pharmaceutical support throughout San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties. Contact our Chino laboratory to learn how we facilitate customized Minoxidil / Finasteride Topical Solution (TrichoSol®)for practitioners across Southern California.

(909) 378-7301

Serving Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County, Ventura County, and the Inland Empire