Question:easy
Finasteride is a:
Finasteride is a:
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It blocks conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- 5 alpha reductase inhibitor
- PDE inhibitor
- Alpha 1a blocker
- Androgen receptor blocker
Show Solution
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Testosterone is amplified inside target tissues by the enzyme $5\alpha$-reductase, which forms dihydrotestosterone, the strongest natural androgen acting on the prostate and scalp.
Step 2: Finasteride works by competitively blocking this very enzyme. With less dihydrotestosterone formed, the androgenic drive on the gland drops, the prostate regresses, urine flow improves in benign prostatic hyperplasia, and scalp hair is preserved in androgenetic alopecia.
Step 3: This identifies it as a $5\alpha$-reductase inhibitor, option a.
Step 4: The other labels belong elsewhere: phosphodiesterase inhibition is the mechanism of sildenafil, selective alpha 1a antagonism is that of tamsulosin, and direct androgen receptor blockade describes flutamide or bicalutamide.
\[\boxed{\text{5 alpha reductase inhibitor}}\]
Step 2: Finasteride works by competitively blocking this very enzyme. With less dihydrotestosterone formed, the androgenic drive on the gland drops, the prostate regresses, urine flow improves in benign prostatic hyperplasia, and scalp hair is preserved in androgenetic alopecia.
Step 3: This identifies it as a $5\alpha$-reductase inhibitor, option a.
Step 4: The other labels belong elsewhere: phosphodiesterase inhibition is the mechanism of sildenafil, selective alpha 1a antagonism is that of tamsulosin, and direct androgen receptor blockade describes flutamide or bicalutamide.
\[\boxed{\text{5 alpha reductase inhibitor}}\]
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