What is Finasteride?
Finasteride is a medication primarily used to treat conditions caused by the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is commonly prescribed for:
1.Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH):
- Used to improve symptoms of an enlarged prostate, such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, or weak urine flow.
- It may also reduce the risk of needing prostate surgery.
2.Androgenetic Alopecia (Male Pattern Baldness):
- Prescribed to slow hair loss and, in some cases, promote hair regrowth in men.
How it Works?
Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. It blocks the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to both prostate enlargement and hair loss.
Dosages and Forms
- BPH: 5 mg tablet taken once daily.
- Hair Loss: 1 mg tablet taken once daily.
Key Considerations
1.Effectiveness:
- Results for hair loss may take 3–6 months of consistent use.
- For BPH, improvement in symptoms is often seen within 6 months.
2.Side Effects:
- Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and reduced semen volume.
- Rarely, breast tenderness or enlargement and depression.
- May cause serious side effects like an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer (rare).
3.Warnings:
- Not approved for use in women or children.
- Pregnant women should not handle crushed or broken tablets due to potential harm to a male fetus.
4.Interactions:
- Minimal interactions with other medications. Always consult a doctor before combining treatments.
Other Information
- Brand names include Propecia (for hair loss) and Proscar (for BPH).
- It is a prescription-only medication and should be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Would you like more details about its mechanism, side effects, or specific usage?