Finasteride is a drug that belongs to the aza-steroids. The drug acts as an inhibitor of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The drug inhibits DHT by binding to the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase which speeds the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Finasteride was initially used in medicine to treat prostrate cancer. However, with research, it was soon found out that when the same drug is given in low doses of at least 1mg per day over a long period of time, the drug proved to stop hair loss, as well as re-growth. Following some scientific research and break through, finasteride was approved by the US FDA in the treatment of baldness in males. Today, you can now buy finasteride pills of 1mg or 5mg concentration from any approved pharmacies for the treatment of male pattern baldness.

Although finasteride is a drug that can be used to treat baldness, it is more generally recommended for men and is rarely prescribed to women. This is so for the drug is suspected to cause serious complications, especially for women who are pregnant, as it can affect the development of male fetuses.

The use of finasteride pills in the treatment of male pattern baldness has also been associated with some side effects. It is reported that some patients on the drug may experience a reduction in libido and sperm count. These side effects are however not permanent as they soon disappear as the body adjusts to the effects of the drug. According to medical personnel the recommended dosage for finasteride is a daily dosage of 1mg. This dosage should be taken over a period of not less than 3 months for noticeable change in hair growth.

It is advisable that before taking any finasteride pills, one is advised to first consult a doctor so as to determine if the drug is suitable to treat their condition. Visiting a doctor is very important, for some individuals may be allergic to certain drugs, while others may not. Some respond well to certain drugs, while others may require higher doses of the same drug. Response to a drug can be genetically predetermined or be determined by the health status of the patient. Whatever the situation is, a doctor will be able to asses all the conditions and come out with the best prescription for each patient.

The next thing to take note of is that finasteride is an active ingredient, so you may not find pills by this name. So, what you will need to look for is the active ingredient of any hair treatment drug. You will need to see whether they contain finasteride and if they do you will also need to see in what concentration. So, you will find that the market is flooded with a lot of brand named drugs that contain finasteride. Don't let this confuse you, for the secret is in the active ingredient and not in the name of the drug. All you need to concentrate on is stopping that hair loss and start promoting hair regrowth.