Finasteride
About Finasteride
Finasteride is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), such as frequent and difficult urination. Besides this, it is also used to treat male pattern hair loss.
Finasteride contains Finasteride, which works by blocking the action of male hormones that cause prostate enlargement and hair loss. Thereby, it helps treat BPH and male pattern hair loss.
In some cases, Finasteride may cause low sexual desire, impotence (erectile dysfunction), abnormal ejaculation, or trouble having an orgasm. Most of these side effects of Finasteride may not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Do not take Finasteride if you are allergic to any of its components. Finasteride is not intended for use in women and children. Keep the doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Finasteride
Medicinal Benefits
Finasteride belongs to a class of medicines called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) in men with enlarged prostate. It also may decrease the need for prostate surgery. Additionally, it is also used to treat male pattern hair loss. Finasteride works by blocking the action of male hormones that cause the prostate to enlarge and hair loss.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Finasteride
- Low sexual desire
- Impotence (erectile dysfunction)
- Abnormal ejaculation
- Trouble having an orgasm
Drug Warnings
Do not take Finasteride if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform the doctor if you have a lot of difficulty passing urine, liver or kidney problems, prostate problems, prostate cancer or depression. Finasteride is intended for use in men only; it is not recommended for women and children. Avoid contact with Finasteride if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, especially if the tablet/capsule is crushed or broken; if contact occurs, wash the area with soap and water and consult the doctor immediately. Let the doctor know if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking BPH agents (dutasteride).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have liver disease or urinary obstruction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol affects Finasteride. Please consult the doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeFinasteride is not intended for use in women. Pregnant women should avoid contact with Finasteride as it may affect the normal development of the male baby’s sex organs.
Breast Feeding
not applicableFinasteride is not intended for use in women.
Driving
safe if prescribedFinasteride usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionCaution should be exercised while using Finasteride in patients with liver impairment. Please consult the doctor if you have liver problems.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Finasteride in patients with kidney problems, please consult the doctor.
Children
unsafeFinasteride is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):
- Avoid foods like sugars, carbonated beverages, tea, citrus fruits, tomatoes, spicy foods, chocolate and tea.
- Limit fluid intake, as excess fluid intake could cause an urge to urinate frequently.
- Avoid drinking excess alcohol or caffeinated drinks, as they can worsen the symptoms.
- Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid processed foods. Instead, choose whole, unprocessed foods.
- Include fruits, vegetables, and fibre-rich food in your diet.
Hair loss:
- Get your regular medical examinations done to keep a check on your hormonal profile (androgen) and nutritional deficiencies that cause hair fall.
- It is advised to timely monitor your hormonal and vitamin D profiles, which can affect your hair loss.
- Avoid overusing styling tools like blow dryers, curling rods, and chemical dyes. These can cause loss of natural hair oils, leading to hair fall.
- Regular oiling helps in the blood circulation of the scalp and nourishes the roots.
- Wash your hair twice a week with a good shampoo and conditioner to reduce hair fall.
- Practice yoga and meditation to manage stress.
Special Advise
- If you are due to undergo any tests, inform the doctor that you are taking Finasteride as it might affect a blood test called PSA.
- Finasteride may pass into the semen of men using it. Therefore, if your sexual partner is or could be pregnant, avoid exposing her to your semen by using a condom during sexual activity.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also called prostate enlargement, is the non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland due to the multiplication of cells. This leads to swelling and squeezing of the urethra and limits the urine flow. It is an age-associated prostate gland enlargement which can cause problems with urination. BPH symptoms include loss of bladder control, frequent urination, inability to urinate, incomplete bladder emptying, weak urinary stream, dribbling at the end of the urinary stream, sudden urge to urinate, and painful urination.
Male pattern hair loss: In male pattern hair loss, gradual thinning of the hair on the scalp occurs, which leads to a receding hairline or balding on the top of the head in men. It is usually genetic in nature or associated with androgens (male sex hormones).
FAQs
Finasteride is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).
Finasteride works by blocking the action of male hormones. Thereby, it helps treat BPH and male pattern baldness.
Finasteride may affect male fertility or sexual activity. Therefore, if you are planning to father a child, it is advised to inform your doctor before taking Finasteride.
No, Finasteride is not recommended for use in children.
Finasteride might affect sperm quality and fertility. Consult the doctor if you plan to have a baby while taking Finasteride.
Yes, Finasteride decreases the size of prostate gland by blocking an enzyme that turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone.
Finasteride might take at least 6 months to improve your symptoms. Keep taking Finasteride for the prescribed duration for effective results.
Yes, Finasteride is safe for the treatment of BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy).
Finasteride can lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. This makes it hard to identify prostate cancer. Inform the doctor that you are taking Finasteride if you are undergoing a PSA test.
Finasteride may cause side effects like low sexual desire, impotence (erectile dysfunction), abnormal ejaculation, or trouble having an orgasm. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time.
Finasteride might stay for about 3-4 days in the body. However, this can vary from person to person.
Women/pregnant women should not take Finasteride as it is not recommended for use in women.
Finasteride can be taken at any time of the day. However, taking it at the same time daily would be helpful.
