- Dose and Dosage: The typical dose of finasteride for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is 5 milligrams (mg) orally once a day. For male pattern baldness, the typical dose is 1 mg orally once a day.
- Frequency: Finasteride is usually taken once daily.
- Route of Administration (ROA): It is taken orally in the form of tablets.
- Mechanism of Action (MOA): Finasteride works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By reducing DHT levels in the body, finasteride helps shrink the prostate in men with BPH and prevents hair loss in men with male pattern baldness.
- Pharmacokinetics (PK): After oral administration, finasteride is rapidly absorbed, with peak plasma concentrations reached within 2 hours. It has a long elimination half-life of about 5 to 6 hours.
- Pharmacodynamics (PD): Finasteride inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), leading to reduced DHT levels in the body. This helps to decrease prostate size in BPH and slow down hair loss in male pattern baldness.
- Pathophysiology: Finasteride addresses conditions related to hormonal imbalances, such as BPH and male pattern baldness, by targeting specific enzymes involved in hormone metabolism.
- Indications: Finasteride is indicated for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) to improve symptoms and reduce the risk of urinary retention and the need for surgery. It is also indicated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) to prevent further hair loss and promote hair regrowth.
- Contraindications: Finasteride is contraindicated in women, especially pregnant women, due to the risk of fetal abnormalities. It should also be avoided in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to finasteride or any of its components.
- Drug Interactions: Finasteride may interact with medications that affect hormonal balance, such as testosterone replacement therapy and certain medications used to treat prostate cancer. It is essential to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking before starting finasteride.
- Precautions: Men taking finasteride should be aware of the potential risk of sexual side effects, such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders. These side effects may persist even after discontinuation of the medication in some cases.
- Monitoring and Laboratory Tests: Regular monitoring of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels may be necessary in men taking finasteride for BPH to assess treatment response and monitor for prostate cancer development. Additionally, monitoring for any signs of adverse effects, such as sexual dysfunction, is important during treatment.
Medication Information and Guidelines
- Purpose: Finasteride is primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) to improve symptoms, reduce the risk of urinary retention, and decrease the need for surgery. It is also prescribed to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) by preventing further hair loss and promoting hair regrowth.
- Usage: Take finasteride exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is typically taken orally, once a day, with or without food. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
- Other Uses: Some people may use finasteride off-label for conditions not listed in the medication guide, but this should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
- Precautions: Men taking finasteride should be cautious as it may cause sexual side effects such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders. These side effects may persist even after stopping the medication in some cases. Additionally, finasteride should not be handled by pregnant women due to the risk of fetal abnormalities.
- Dietary Changes: There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with finasteride use. However, it’s always a good idea to maintain a healthy diet as recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Missed Dose: If you miss a dose of finasteride, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medication to make up for the missed dose.
- Side Effects: Common side effects of finasteride may include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorders, dizziness, weakness, and headache. Less common but serious side effects may include allergic reactions, breast tenderness or enlargement, and depression. Contact your doctor if you experience any concerning side effects.
- Storage and Disposal: Store finasteride tablets at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets. Do not flush unused medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly dispose of any unused medication through a medication take-back program or by following local guidelines.
- Emergency Situation: If you suspect an overdose of finasteride or experience any severe side effects, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or severe allergic reactions, seek emergency medical attention immediately. If possible, bring the medication packaging or information leaflet with you to the emergency room.