Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Finasteride

This document from 1996 discusses the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of finasteride, a drug used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern baldness. Finasteride inhibits the enzyme 5α-reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By inhibiting this enzyme, finasteride reduces the amount of DHT in the body, which can lead to hair regrowth and a reduction in prostate size. The drug is well-tolerated, with loss of libido and sexual potency being the most commonly reported adverse reactions. The document also discusses the different types of 5α-reductase isoenzymes and their roles in male sexual development.