Finasteride is used as an active ingredient in various medications that treat conditions like BPH in men. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It treats BPH by stopping the body’s production of a male hormone that causes the prostate to enlarge. This ingredient treats male pattern hair loss.

Class of Drugs – 5-alpha reductase inhibitors

Molecular Formula – C₂₃H₃₆N₂O₂

Molecular Weight – 372.5 g/mol

Working: This given active component decreases the amount of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. It normally causes the prostate to grow larger. The reduction in DHT prevents the prostate from growing larger. It results in increased hair growth and decreased hair loss of the hair on the head. It does not affect hair growth in other parts of the body.

Uses: The medicine is used alone or in combination with another medication like doxazosin. It is useful to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy i.e. BPH or enlargement of the prostate gland. This component is used to treat symptoms of BPH like frequent or difficult urination. It also may reduce the chance of acute urinary retention. It also may prevent prostate surgery.

The pill is also used to treat male pattern hair loss i.e. gradual thinning of the hair on the scalp, leading to a receding hairline or balding on the top of the head in men. It has not been shown to treat thinning hair at the temples. It is not recommended in women or children to treat hair loss.

Popular Brands and Dosages: The mentioned active ingredient is used in popular brands as mentioned below:

• Proscar: 5 mg
• Propecia: 5 mg

Do not go against the prescription by the doctor.