Cimetidine is sold under the brand name Tagamet. It is commonly used to reduce secretion of acid in the stomach and to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers, inflammation of the oesophagus and other digestive disorders. However also has a anti androgenic effect. Cimetidine blocks the binding of dihydrotestosterone to its receptor. Cimetidine has been used to treat hirsuitism in women (excess facial hair) and studies in woman with androgenetic alopecia have yielded promising results. Men however should not use Cimetidine to treat hair loss because of its feminizing effects.

Studies involving Cimetidine

STUDY: Treatment of female androgenetic alopecia with cimetidine.