Finasteride
Brand names
Usage
To treat benign prostatic
hyperplasia (BPH)-that is noncancerous enlargement
of the prostate gland, which
is extremely common among
men over 50. Also used to
treat male pattern hair loss.
How it works
Finasteride halts or reverses
enlargement of the prostate
by blocking the action of the
enzyme 5-alpha reductase,
which the body needs to
produce dihydrotestosterone
(DHT), a chemical involved in
the mechanism that enlarges
the prostate. DHT is also integral to the process of male
pattern hair loss; by decreasing DHT concentrations in the scalp, finasteride may slow or
reverse this process.
Side effects
- Serious
- No serious side effects are associated with the use of
finasteride.
- Common
- No common side effects are associated with the use of
finasteride.
- Less common
- Reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction (impotence),
decreased quantity of ejaculate. It should be noted that this
decrease is not a sign of reduced fertility.
Possible interactions
- Other medicaments:
Finasteride taken concurrently with:
- tirilazad (Freedox) will be increased by up to 29% if combined with finasteride. Caution is advised.
- Herbal medicines or minerals:
- Saw palmetto works by anti-androgenic and
anti-inflammatory actions. The combination of this herb and finasteride has
not been studied, but both medicaments appear to work by different mechanisms.
Talk to your doctor before combining. Autumn crocus should be avoided in alopecia.
- Special storage instructions:
- Keep at room temperature. Avoid exposure to
extreme humidity.
Comments
|
