Finasteride is a pharmaceutical drug that belongs to the class of drugs known as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. It is primarily used to treat symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate gland, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), in adult males. Additionally, finasteride is approved for the treatment of male pattern hair loss, a condition characterized by hair thinning or loss on the scalp.
Finasteride works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts the male hormone testosterone into its more potent form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By inhibiting this conversion process, finasteride reduces the levels of DHT in the prostate and scalp, helping to alleviate symptoms of BPH and promoting hair regrowth in individuals with male pattern hair loss.
When used to treat BPH, finasteride helps to improve urinary flow, reduce the risk of acute urinary retention, and diminish the size of the prostate gland, thereby relieving associated symptoms such as frequent urination, weak urine stream, and difficulty initiating and maintaining urination.
Finasteride is typically administered orally in tablet form and is most commonly available in the dosage strength of 5 milligrams. It is important to note that the use of finasteride may be associated with certain side effects such as reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased ejaculate volume, breast tenderness, and skin rash. Therefore, it is advised to consult a healthcare professional before starting or modifying any treatment regimen involving finasteride.
