finasteride

Finasteride is a synthetic 4-azasteroid and a selective inhibitor of the type II and III isoforms of the enzyme 5α-reductase. By inhibiting this enzyme in tissues such as the prostate gland and hair follicles (but not significantly in other tissues), it blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgen responsible for prostate growth and male pattern hair loss. This results in reduced DHT levels by about 65–70% systemically and up to 80–90% within the prostate gland. Clinically approved indications include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) at a dose of 5 mg daily (marketed as Proscar) and male pattern hair loss at a dose of 1 mg daily (marketed as Propecia). The drug was originally developed by Merck[1][2][5][6][7].

Brand names

PropeciaProscarAppeciaFinaloFinaraFinastFinasterid AlternovaFinasterid IVAXFinaxFincarFinpeciaFinprosHyplafinPenesterPrezepaProsterideTectum

Other names

finasteride