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

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

Medications such as finasteride and minoxidil are widely prescribed, but concerns about side effects and long term use have pushed many patients to look for gentler, more holistic approaches.

From Science Daily • Feb. 9, 2026

"There will be some patients who have risk factors that might make finasteride a risky prescription. I'm not saying it can't be prescribed, but patients need to be appropriately counselled."

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2025

Kyle started taking finasteride last spring, after it was recommended to him by a mate who was on it.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2025