finasteride

American  

[fi-nas-tuh-rahyd] / fɪˈnæs təˌraɪd /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a drug, C 23 H 36 N 2 O 2 , that inhibits testosterone metabolism, used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and male pattern baldness.

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Etymology

Origin of finasteride

First recorded in 1985–90; fina- (of unknown origin) + (testo)ster(one) ( def. ) + (am)ide ( def. )

Example Sentences

Now 24 years old, he takes a stronger version of finasteride along with oral minoxidil at a low dose to stave off side effects.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

He researched different medication and started taking finasteride and minoxidil to help treat hair loss - both legal on prescription in the UK.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

There are two FDA-approved treatments for these patients — minoxidil and finasteride, both of which come in oral and topical forms.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 25, 2026

I paid several hundred pounds for a combined course of minoxidil and finasteride but the treatment requires consistent daily use, and I often forgot doses.

From BBC • Oct. 31, 2025

For more than two decades, finasteride has been prescribed to millions of men seeking to slow or reverse hair loss.

From Science Daily • Oct. 13, 2025