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Finasteride


Finasteride

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 CH36N2O2
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).

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