Finasteride is a drug to treat enlargement benign prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia/BPH). This drug can also be used to treat hair loss or male pattern baldness due to androgens (androgenetic alopecia).
Finasteride works by inhibiting the action of enzymes 5-alpha reductase which plays a role in converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This way of working will relieve complaints due to an enlarged prostate gland, such as difficulty urinating, not flowing urine, or urinating that feels incomplete.
finasteride trademarks: Alopros, Finasteride, Finpro, Prostacom, Reprosid, Reprostom
What is Finasteride
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | 5 . blocker-alpha-reductase |
| Benefit | Relieves fatigue due to benign prostate enlargement (BPH) and treats male pattern baldness |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Finasteride for pregnant and lactating women | Category X:Studies in experimental animals and humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities or a risk to the fetus. Drugs in this category are contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. It is not known whether finasteride is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without telling your doctor. |
| Drug form | Tablets and capsules |
Precautions Before Taking Finasteride
Finasteride should not be used carelessly. Before using finasteride, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Do not use finasteride if you are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease, prostate cancer, urinary tract infections or disorders, including urethral stricture.
- Finasteride is only used by adult men and should not be given to children or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking finasteride if you plan to have a PSA test, which is a specific antigen on the prostate gland.
- Perform control according to the schedule given by the doctor while undergoing treatment with finastride.
- Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug or an overdose after taking finasteride.
Dosage and Directions for Use of Finasteride
Finasteride will be given by the doctor according to the patient's condition. The following are common doses of finasteride based on their purpose:
- Purpose: Treating benign prostate enlargement (BPH)
Dosage: 5 mg, once daily, for at least 6 months
- Purpose : Treating baldness due to androgen hormones
Dosage: 1 mg, once daily, for at least 3 months
How to Take Finasteride Correctly
Be sure to read the instructions on the drug packaging label and always follow the doctor's advice when taking finasteride. Do not increase or decrease the dose prescribed by your doctor.
Finasteride can be taken after or before meals. Do not split or crush the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole with the help of a glass of water.
Take finasteride at the same time every day for optimal results. For patients who forget to take this drug, it is recommended to do so as soon as they remember, if the interval with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store finasteride in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Finasteride Interactions with Other Drugs
There are several drug interactions that can occur if finasteride is used at the same time as other medicines, including:
- Decreased levels and effectiveness of finasteride when used with carbamazepine, nevirapine, or rifampicin
- Increased levels and risk of side effects of finasteride when used with clarithromycin, erythromycin, isoniazid, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or nefazodone
Finasteride Side Effects and Dangers
Side effects that may appear after taking finasteride are:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased libido
- Testicular pain
- Depression
Check with your doctor if these side effects do not subside. See a doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or a more serious side effect, such as difficulty urinating or breast abnormalities, such as enlarged breasts, pain, lumps, or discharge from the breasts.