Description

Finasteride is a synthetic 4-azasteroid compound that is a specific inhibitor of steroid 5-alpha-reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts androgen testosterone into 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Indication

Finasteride is indicated for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men.

Mechanism of Action

Finasteride works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By blocking this conversion, finasteride reduces the level of DHT in the prostate and scalp, leading to a decrease in prostate size and an increase in hair growth.