5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor drugs compared
Compare all 3 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor drugs side by side, used for conditions such as alopecia, hirsutism, prostatic hyperplasia. They share one FDA-defined mechanism but differ in approved uses, prescription status, brand-vs-generic options, price, and FDA recall-safety record — which our independent rating scores. The highest-rated is propecia.
Top-rated 5-alpha reductase inhibitor: 1. Propecia · 2. Proscar · 3. Finasteride
| Drug | Generic | Form | Status | Used for | Safety ratingFDA recall-based | Pharmacy pays |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Propecia | Finasteride | Tablet | Prescription | Alopecia, Hirsutism | 70/100 | $2 |
| Proscar | Finasteride | Tablet | Prescription | Alopecia, Hirsutism | 70/100 | $2 |
| Finasteride | — | Tablet | Prescription | Alopecia, Hirsutism | Not yet rated | $2 |
The safety rating column is unique to pharmaranks — an independent 0–100 score from FDA regulatory recall data. Higher is safer. Not medical advice.
Best 5-alpha reductase inhibitor by condition
Full ranking · 3 drugs
Frequently asked questions
What is the 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor drug class?
5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor is an FDA Established Pharmacologic Class (EPC) — a group of drugs that share a mechanism of action. pharmaranks lists 3 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor products, each independently rated.
Are all 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor drugs the same?
No. 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor drugs share the same core mechanism — that is why they sit in one FDA class — but they differ in their approved uses, available forms, whether they are prescription or over-the-counter, brand-vs-generic options and price, and their FDA recall-safety record.
What conditions do 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor drugs treat?
Per NIH RxClass drug-classification data, 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor drugs are used for conditions including alopecia, hirsutism, prostatic hyperplasia, prostatic neoplasms.
Which 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor drug is best-rated?
By our independent rating, propecia currently ranks highest among 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor drugs. Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data — always consult a professional.
Sources: the 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor class definition and its member drugs come from the U.S. NLM RxClass (Established Pharmacologic Class). Ratings are pharmaranks’ independent FDA recall-safety analysis.