Finasteride
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| N-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-3-oxo-, (5α,17β)-4-azaandrost-1-ene-17-carboxamide | |
| CAS number 98319–26–7 | ATC code D11AX10 and G04CB01 |
| Chemical formula | C23H36N2O2 |
| Molecular weight | 372.549 |
| Bioavailability | 63% |
| Metabolism | Liver |
| Elimination half-life | Elderly: 8 hours Adults: 6 hours |
| Excretion | Feces (57%) and urine (39%) as metabolites |
| Pregnancy category | X (will cause birth defects in an unborn baby) |
| Routes of administration | tablet, 5–10 mg tablet, 1 mg (for hair loss treatment) |
Finasteride is an antiandrogen which acts by inhibing 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme the converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. It is used in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in low doses, and in prostate cancer in higher doses. Additionally, it is registered in many countries for male-pattern baldness. Drug trade names include Propecia ® and Proscar ® both products of Merck & Co. (the former is marketed for hair loss in male pattern baldness, and the latter for BPH).
Categories: Medical treatment stubs | Antiandrogens