Finasteride
Uses
How it Works
Common Side effects
Patients who take Finasteride may suffer from such side effects;
Decreased libido,
Impotence,
Inability to achieve or maintain an erection,
breast tenderness,
depressed mood,
allergic-type reactions
Warning
- Reductase inhibitors may increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer .
Handling Precautions
Storage
Introduction
Finasteride belongs to a class of drugs called androgen inhibitors. It is used to treat the urinary symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy in men.
Use
Finasteride is used to prevent the urinary problems faced by men due to benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). In men, testosterone gets converted to 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). With increasing age, the prostate gland gets hypertrophied due to the DHT hormone, which in turn exerts pressure on the urinary bladder leading to urinary problems. The urinary problems range from urinary urgency, the need to urinate during the night (nocturia), inability to empty the bladder completely, urinary incontinence, painful urination (dysuria), etc.
This drug helps prevent the conversion of testosterone to the DHT hormone, thereby causing the prostate gland to gradually shrink making it easier for the patient to urinate without causing pain. More than this, it also reduces the need for surgical intervention like prostatectomy. Other than this, this drug also stimulates new hair growth in men with pattern baldness.
Dosage and administration
It is available as tablets of 5 mg strength that are to be taken once daily. The route of administration is the oral route. The tablet can be taken with or without food. It takes some time to get effective results and with regular use of the medicine, benefits can be obtained in 5 to 6 months.
Warning
This medication should be used with caution in patients with liver disease, prostate cancer, and urinary problems.
Normally, this drug is not indicated in women, especially those pregnant and breastfeeding.
This medication is not indicated for pediatric patients.
This drug is not indicated for prostate cancer. There are studies which prove that there is an increase in the incidence of prostate cancer with the regular use of this drug due to the effect of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.
Although rare, but in case of any serious side effects such as anaphylactic reactions, feeling short of breath or pain and discomfort in the chest, infertility or painful urination, etc., discontinue the use of the medicine and consult your doctor immediately.
Side effects
Decreased volume of ejaculation
Breast enlargement
Lump in the breast or discharge from the nipple
Tenderness in the breast
Tenderness in the testicles
Headaches
Rashes
Diarrhea
New hair growth