Finasteride

Brand names

• Propecia
• Proscar

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.

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