Propecia - Proscar
finasteride
Finasteride is used to treat symptoms of BPH.The prostate
gland is located around the tube which empties urine from the bladder
(urethra). As the prostate gland enlarges, usually after 50 years of age,
it can obstruct or partially block the urine flow. This leads to symptoms
which include dribbling of urine, narrow stream, problems starting urine
flow, interruption while urinating, and a feeling of incomplete emptying.
Other symptoms include wetting and staining of clothes, urinary burning,
and urgency.
Prostate gland enlargement (benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH), is
directly dependent on DHT (a hormone converted from the male hormone testosterone).
Finasteride inhibits the enzyme necessary for the conversion of testosterone
to DHT in the prostate. Therefore, administration of Finasteride lowers
blood and tissue DHT levels and helps reduce the size of the prostate
gland.
Although reductions in the size of the prostate gland can occur in virtually
all the patients who take Finasteride, only 50% will experience improvement
in the symptoms of BPH. Patients generally respond to Finasteride in several
weeks, but it often takes 6 months for the patient to receive the full
effect of the drug.
DOSING:
Finasteride is metabolized mainly by the liver, and caution should
be used in patients with liver dysfunction. Finasteride may be taken with
or without food.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Drug interactions are generally not a problem.
PREGNANCY:
Finasteride causes abnormal development of the sexual organs
of the male fetus. Therefore, women who are pregnant or are likely to
be pregnant should not handle crushed or broken Finasteride tablets in
order to prevent absorption through the skin.
NURSING MOTHERS:
Finasteride is not prescribed for women.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Side effects are rare but can include impotence and decreased
sex drive. Finasteride should not be used by women, children, or male
partners of women trying to become pregnant. Finasteride should not be
used until a thorough prostate examination has been done to exclude cancer,
stricture, or infection in the gland.
