Medicine Baby Quiz | Different dosages of finasteride have different indications?

Finasteride is a type II 5α-reductase inhibitor that can inhibit the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Finasteride is used clinically in two doses: 1 mg and 5 mg, and different doses are used for different indications.

The human scalp hair follicles contain type II 5α reductase. Taking 1 mg of finasteride once a day can reduce the concentration of dihydrotestosterone in the patient's scalp and serum, inhibit the shrinkage of scalp hair follicles, and reverse the hair loss process. Therefore, a small dose (1 mg) of finasteride can be used to treat male baldness (androgenic alopecia), promote hair growth and prevent further hair loss.

The development and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) depends on the conversion of testosterone to DHT in the prostate. Taking 5 mg of finasteride once a day is very effective in reducing DHT in the blood and prostate, and can also reduce prostate size and improve urine flow. Therefore, high-dose (5 mg) finasteride can be used to treat and control benign prostatic hyperplasia and prevent urinary system events.