Finasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Finasteride is used to treat male pattern hair loss in men. It is also used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. Finasteride may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Proscar is prescribed to treat enlargement of the prostate gland and male pattern baldness. It is a type of 5-reductase inhibitor and an enzyme that prevents the development of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. The latter, also called DHT, is involved with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Proscar decreases the amount of DHT, a natural body hormone which causes prostate growth. Proscar is not for the prevention of prostate cancer but increases slightly the risk of developing a serious prostate cancer form.