GENERIC NAME: finasteride
BRAND NAME: Proscar
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: 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 Hyperplasia 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.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PREPARATIONS: Tablet (5mg).
STORAGE: Finasteride should be stored at room
temperature in a
tight light resistant container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Finasteride is used to treat symptoms
of BPH. Finasteride is approved for use with the alpha-blocker,
doxazosin, to reduce the progression of symptoms of BPH.
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.
Last Editorial Review: 2/27/2001
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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