Finasteride – Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages - Verywell Health
What Is Finasteride? Finasteride is a prescription medication that treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) under the brand name Propecia and male-pattern hair loss under the brand name Proscar. It is part of a class of medications known as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. Finasteride works by decreasing the amount of hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in your body. By reducing DHT, finasteride can help prevent the prostate from growing larger. It can also increase hair growth and decrease hair loss on your head. Finasteride is an oral medication available in tablet form. It is available under two brand names and formulations for separate indications: Propecia 1-milligram (mg) tablet for BPH and Proscar 5-milligram tablet for male-pattern hair loss. There is also a generic version. Drug Facts Generic Name : Finasteride Brand Name(s) : Propecia, Proscar Drug Availability : Prescription Therapeutic Classification : 5-alpha reductase inhibitor Availa...