Is Elcranel effective for hair loss?

I am worried because my hair has thinned out a lot lately, as if I have alopecia areata. It is stressful whenever I look in the mirror. I heard there is a topical medication for hair loss called Elcranel; would it be effective for alopecia areata? Can I buy it at a pharmacy without a prescription? Has anyone actually used Elcranel and seen results?