FINASTERIDE

It act by competetively inhibiting the enzyme 5 alpha reductase. This enzyme 5 alpha reductase is coverting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone which is the active form of testosterone in many tissues like prostate gland & hair follicles. It is relatively selective for 5 alpha reductase type II isoenzyme which predominate in male urogenital tract.It is also used in the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH.finasteride is effective in male pattern baldness.It promote hair growth & prevent further hair loss. Response is slow & benefit is reversed within one year of treatment cessation.Finasteride is effective orally & metabolized in liver.It is well tolerated by most patients. The adverse drug reactions are decreased libido, skin rashes etc.The dose is 1 mg/day for male pattern baldness.