Other Brands/Names

Alopros, Prosix, Finpro, Prostacom, Finstat, Prostide, Propecia, Reprosid, Proscar, Reprostom.

How It Works

Finasteride is a synthetic 4-aza analogue of testosterone that works by blocking the enzyme 5-α-reductase. This enzyme converts testosterone into 5-α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone found mainly in the prostate, seminal vesicles, epididymis, and hair follicles. DHT is an androgen necessary for the development of prostate tissue.

By lowering DHT levels, finasteride helps slow prostate growth and prevents enlargement. In men experiencing male pattern baldness, finasteride can also be prescribed to reduce hair loss. This medication does not affect cortisol, estradiol, prolactin, thyroid hormones (thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroxine), or cholesterol. It also does not interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis.

Indications

Finasteride is indicated for the treatment of male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Contraindications

Finasteride is contraindicated in women, children, and patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Side Effects

The use of finasteride may cause various side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Breast cancer

• Mood changes (such as depression and suicide attempts)

Other side effects can affect different body systems, including:

• Immune system disorders: hypersensitivity reactions (angioedema, urticaria)

• Reproductive system disorders: impotence, reduced libido, ejaculation problems, blood in semen, breast enlargement, testicular pain, male infertility

• Skin problems: rash and itching

Types

• Alopros: soft-coated tablet, 5 mg

• Prosix: film-coated tablet, 5 mg

• Finpro: film-coated tablet, 5 mg

• Prostacom: film-coated tablet, 5 mg

• Finstat: film-coated tablet, 5 mg

• Prostide: 5 mg tablet

• Propecia: film-coated tablet, 1 mg

• Reprosid: film-coated tablet, 5 mg

• Proscar: film-coated tablet, 5 mg

• Reprostom: film-coated tablet, 5 mg

Dosage

Male pattern baldness

Adults: 1 mg once daily, taken for at least 3 months. Continuous use is required for maximum results.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Adults: 5 mg once daily, either as monotherapy or in combination with doxazosin, for at least 6 months.

Safety

Pregnant Women

Category X: Both human and animal studies show harmful effects on the fetus. This drug can cause abnormalities in the internal genitalia of male fetuses.

Breastfeeding Mothers

It is unknown whether finasteride passes into breast milk.

Drug Interactions

Saw palmetto may reduce the effectiveness of finasteride. Additionally, terazosin may increase finasteride concentrations in the body.

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