Finasteride(fin as’ teh ride)
Propecia, Proscar
PREGNANCY CATEGORY X
Drug Class
Androgen hormone inhibitor
Therapeutic Actions
Inhibits the intracellular enzyme that converts testosterone into a potent androgen (DHT); does not affect androgen receptors in the body; the prostate gland depends on DHT for its development and maintenance.
Indications
Proscar: Treatment of symptomatic BPH; most effective with long-term use; reduces the need for prostate surgery and reduces the risk of urinary retention; with doxazosin, to reduce the risk of progression of BPH symptoms
Propecia: Prevention of male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) in patients with family history or early signs of loss
Unlabeled uses: Adjuvant monotherapy following radical prostatectomy; prevention of the progression of first-stage prostate cancer; hirsutism; male chronic pelvic pain syndrome
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with allergy to finasteride or any component of the product, pregnancy, lactation.
Use cautiously with hepatic impairment.
Available Forms
Tablets—1 mg (Proecia), 5 mg (Proscar)
Dosages
Adults
BPH: 5 mg daily PO with or without meals; may take 6–12 mo for response (Proscar).
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