| name | Finasteride (Proscar, Propecia) |
| classification | 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor |
| pharmacokinetics | Finasteride is well absorbed after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are observed within 1-2 hours. It is primarily metabolized by the liver. The half-life is approximately 6-8 hours, but active metabolites have a longer half-life, significantly impacting its overall duration of action. The drug is highly bound to plasma proteins. |
| suggested dosage | | Proscar | 5 mg orally once daily | | Propecia | 1 mg orally once daily |
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| indications | | 1 | Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - Proscar | | 2 | Male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) - Propecia |
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| safety in pregnancy | | warning | ABSOLUTELY CONTRAINDICATED. Exposure to finasteride can cause severe and irreversible abnormalities in a male fetus. Women of childbearing potential must use reliable contraception while taking this medication. Do not handle crushed or broken tablets. |
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| safety in breastfeeding | | warning | Not recommended. Small amounts of finasteride or its metabolites may be excreted in breast milk. Consult a healthcare professional. |
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| side effects | | 1 | | effect | Decreased libido | | severity | Potentially Mild |
| | 2 | | effect | Erectile dysfunction | | severity | Potentially Mild |
| | 3 | | effect | Ejaculation disorders | | severity | Potentially Mild |
| | 4 | | effect | Breast tenderness or enlargement | | severity | Potentially Mild |
| | 5 | | effect | Headaches | | severity | Potentially Mild |
| | 6 | | effect | Dizziness | | severity | Potentially Mild |
| | 7 | | effect | Fatigue | | severity | Potentially Mild |
| | 8 | | effect | Depression | | severity | Potentially Mild |
| | 9 | | effect | Decreased ejaculate volume | | severity | Potentially Mild |
| | 10 | | effect | Skin rash | | severity | Potentially Mild |
| | 11 | | general note | Generally mild and usually reversible with discontinuation of therapy. |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Pregnancy or possibility of pregnancy (women of childbearing potential) | | 2 | Hypersensitivity to finasteride or any of the inactive ingredients | | 3 | Known genetic condition impacting the production of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase |
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| interactions | | 1 | No significant interactions with common medications reported. | | 2 | May potentiate the effect of other medications metabolized by the liver. Careful consideration with concomitant therapies is required. |
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| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Regular monitoring of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels is important, particularly in patients with BPH. | | 2 | May prolong bleeding time. | | 3 | Inform healthcare professionals about all medications and supplements being taken. | | 4 | Do not crush or break tablets unless specifically instructed by a doctor. |
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| additional information | | 1 | Finasteride is a systemic medication that may have effects beyond the target area. | | 2 | Patients should discuss any medical concerns, particularly if they have pre-existing conditions like heart conditions or kidney issues. Consult a healthcare professional before starting this medication for personalized advice. | | 3 | Finasteride's effects on libido and erectile function should be considered when evaluating possible therapeutic benefit. | | 4 | The effects of finasteride are gradual and may take several months to become apparent. |
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| patient specific considerations | | disclaimer | Patient-specific information is limited by the absence of full medical history. Always consult with a healthcare professional. |
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