Finasteride
Finasteride (Proscar)
Finasteride
(fin- AS-teh-ride)
Pregnancy Category: X Propecia Proscar (Rx)

Classification: Androgen hormone inhibitor

Action/Kinetics: Is a specific inhibitor of 5-þ-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to the active 5-þ-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Thus, there are significant decreases in serum and tissue DHT levels, resulting in rapid regression of prostate tissue and an increase in urine flow and symptomatic improvement. Is also a decrease in scalp DHT levels. Well absorbed after PO administration. Elimination t 1/2: 6 hr in clients 45-60 years of age and 8 hr in clients over 70 years of age. Slow accumulation after multiple dosing. Metabolized in the liver and excreted through both the urine and feces.

Uses: Treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia to improve symptoms, reduce risk of acute urinary retention, and reduce risk for surgery and prostatectomy. Male pattern baldness (vertex and anterior midscalp). Investigational: In combination with flutamide following radical prostatectomy, prevention of the progression of first-stage prostate cancer, acne, and hirsutism.

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to finasteride or any excipient in the product. Use in women and in children. Lactation.

Special Concerns: Use with caution in clients with impaired liver function.

Side Effects: GU: Impotence, decreased libido, decreased volume of ejaculate. Miscellaneous: Breast tenderness and enlargement, hypersensitivity reactions (including skin rash and lip swelling), testicular pain.

Laboratory Test Alterations: Serum PSA levels.

Drug Interactions: Significant plasma levels of finasteride when used with terazosin.

How Supplied: Tablet: 1 mg, 5 mg

Dosage
?Tablets Benign prostatic hyperplasia.
5 mg/day, with or without meals.
Androgenetic alopecia.
Males: 1 mg once a day with or without meals.