FinasterideFinasteride
FunctionFunction
StructureStructure
Finasteride is an azasteroid, which is a synthetic compound derived from steroids. All steroids contain a core structure called a gonane, a structure composed of 3 cyclohexane rings and 1 cyclopentane ring "fused" together.
MechanismMechanism
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=Medical Uses=Medical Uses
Finasteride is used to shrink an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), in adult men. This medication works by inhibiting 5a-reductase, which prevents conversion of testosterone to the natural body hormone, dihydrosestosterone (DHT) that causes growth of the prostate. Finasteride is specific for type II isoenzymes, resulting in a decline in serum DHT levels by 65-70% and in prostate DHT levels by up to 80-90% (source).