Finasteride
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DRUG STATUS
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
Possible
Pharmaceutical Class
5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor
Finasteride
Learn more about this medicine -
Click HereSummary
Finasteride is used to treat conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate, and male pattern hair loss.
Finasteride works by inhibiting an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to prostate enlargement and hair loss. By reducing DHT levels, Finasteride helps shrink the prostate and slow down hair loss.
The usual daily dose of Finasteride for adults is 5 mg taken once a day, orally. It's not recommended for use in children or women, especially those who are or may become pregnant.
Common side effects of Finasteride include impotence, decreased libido, and ejaculation disorders. Less common but serious effects may include mood changes, including depression, and changes in breast tissue.
Finasteride is not indicated for use in women and is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the risk of causing abnormalities in the male fetus. It may also cause sexual side effects and mood changes. Regular monitoring of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels is recommended to detect prostate cancer.
Indications and Purpose
What is Finasteride used for?
Finasteride is indicated for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate and for male pattern hair loss. It helps improve urinary symptoms associated with BPH and slows hair loss in men.
How does Finasteride work?
Finasteride works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone that contributes to prostate enlargement and hair loss. By reducing DHT levels, Finasteride helps shrink the prostate and slow hair loss.
Is Finasteride effective?
Finasteride is effective in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern hair loss. Clinical studies have shown it reduces prostate size, improves urinary flow, and decreases the need for surgery in BPH. For hair loss, it slows hair thinning and promotes regrowth.
How does one know if Finasteride is working?
The benefits of Finasteride are evaluated through regular medical check-ups, monitoring of symptoms, and laboratory tests such as PSA levels for prostate health. For hair loss, visual assessment of hair regrowth and reduction in hair thinning are used to evaluate effectiveness.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of Finasteride?
The usual daily dose of Finasteride for adults is 5 mg taken once a day. Finasteride is not indicated for use in children, and there is no recommended dose for this age group.
How do I take Finasteride?
Take Finasteride as a tablet by mouth once a day, with or without food. There are no specific food restrictions while taking this medication, but it is important to follow your doctor's instructions and take it at the same time each day.
For how long do I take Finasteride?
Finasteride is typically used long-term for conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern hair loss. It may take at least 6 months to see improvement in BPH symptoms and at least 3 months for hair loss. Continuous use is necessary to maintain benefits.
How long does it take for Finasteride to start working?
For benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), it may take at least 6 months to notice an improvement in symptoms. For male pattern hair loss, it may take at least 3 months to see any improvement, with continued use necessary to maintain benefits.
How should I store Finasteride?
Store Finasteride in its original container, tightly closed, at room temperature away from excess heat and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children and dispose of unneeded medication through a take-back program.
Warnings and Precautions
Who should avoid taking Finasteride?
Finasteride is contraindicated in women, especially those who are or may become pregnant, due to the risk of fetal harm. It may cause sexual side effects and mood changes. Regular monitoring of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels is recommended to detect prostate cancer.
Can I take Finasteride with other prescription drugs?
No significant drug interactions have been identified for Finasteride. It does not appear to affect the cytochrome P450-linked drug metabolizing enzyme system, suggesting a low risk of interactions with other medications.
Can I take Finasteride with vitamins or supplements?
From all available and reliable information, there is no confirmed data on this. Please consult a doctor for personalized advice.
Can Finasteride be taken safely while pregnant?
Finasteride is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the risk of causing abnormalities in the male fetus. Women who are or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken tablets. There is strong evidence from animal studies supporting these risks.
Can Finasteride be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Finasteride is not indicated for use in women, and it is unknown whether it is excreted in human milk. Therefore, it should not be used by breastfeeding women.
Is Finasteride safe for the elderly?
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients. However, caution is advised as older individuals may have increased sensitivity to medications. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is recommended.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Finasteride?
From all available and reliable information, there is no confirmed data on this. Please consult a doctor for personalized advice.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Finasteride?
From all available and reliable information, there is no confirmed data on this. Please consult a doctor for personalized advice.
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