Finasteride

Finasteride

Finasteride, a widely prescribed drug, has gained attention for its versatility in treating prostate problems and hair loss. This potent medication has become a go-to solution for many, offering hope to those struggling with male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the uses of finasteride tablets and their effects on the body. We'll explore how oral finasteride works, its interactions with other medicines, and proper dosing information. 

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride is a powerful medicine that belongs to a class of drugs known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It has gained popularity for its versatility in treating two distinct medical conditions: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern hair loss.

It's important to note that while finasteride benefits many, it's not suitable for everyone. Therefore, men must discuss the potential benefits and risks with their doctor before starting treatment with finasteride.

Finasteride Tablet Uses

Finasteride tablets have two primary uses in medical treatment. The medication serves as an effective solution for benign prostatic hyperplasia and male androgenetic alopecia (MAA, male pattern hair loss).

For men dealing with BPH, finasteride offers a solution to manage the symptoms of an enlarged prostate and common urinary issues. These benefits include decreased urge to urinate, improved urine flow, and a lessened feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. It also reduces nighttime urination, providing better sleep quality for those affected.

Finasteride works by blocking the body's secretion of the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hormone that is responsible for prostate growth. By lowering DHT levels, finasteride not only alleviates symptoms but may also reduce the chance of acute urinary retention and the need for prostate surgery.

In treating male pattern hair loss, finasteride (marketed as Propecia) addresses the gradual thinning of hair on the scalp. It targets areas experiencing hair loss, such as a receding hairline or balding on the top of the head. The medication blocks the production of DHT in the scalp, which stops hair growth. 

How to Use Finasteride Tablet

Proper use of finasteride tablets is crucial for achieving optimal results. 

• Individuals should carefully read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by their doctor before starting treatment.
• Finasteride tablets can be taken orally with or without food, typically once a day. 
• Individuals should swallow the tablet whole with water, avoiding crushing, breaking, or chewing it.
• It's essential to take the medication at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in the body.
• If you missed a dose, skip it and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses to make up for missed ones.
• Individuals should store finasteride tablets in a closed box at room temperature, away from direct light, heat, and moisture. 
• You should keep the medication out of children's reach and properly dispose of outdated or unneeded medicine.

Side Effects of Finasteride Tablet

Like many medications, finasteride can cause side effects. While not everyone experiences them, being aware of potential adverse reactions is crucial. Common side effects include: 

• Decreased sexual desire
• Difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection
• Problems with ejaculation
• Decrease in the volume of ejaculate
• Less common side effects involve: 
  • Changes in breast tissue, such as enlargement, tenderness, or nipple discharge 
  • Adverse skin reactions like rash, itching, or hives. In rare cases, patients report swelling of the lips and face.

More serious side effects, though uncommon, require immediate medical attention. These include:

• Persistent breast changes or lumps
• Depression
• Testicular pain
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Increased risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer or breast cancer in some men

Precautions

When taking finasteride, patients need to be aware of several essential precautions, such as: 

• Medication Effectiveness: Regular check-ups with a doctor are crucial to monitor progress and assess the medication's effectiveness. Blood and urine tests may be necessary to check for any unwanted effects.
• Precautions for Pregnant Women and Children: Women and children should not use finasteride under any circumstances. Pregnant women or those who may become pregnant must avoid handling crushed or broken tablets, as the drug can be absorbed through the skin and cause congenital disabilities in male foetuses. 
• Precautions for Certain Genitourinary Conditions: Individuals should tell their doctor if they have a history of urinary issues, infections, or prostate cancer. The medication can also affect prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test results, which are used to detect prostate cancer. Patients should inform all their doctors about their use of finasteride.
• Fertility Concerns: Some men using finasteride have experienced infertility. Those planning to have children should discuss this with their doctor before starting treatment. 
• Liver Disease: Individuals with liver disease should exercise caution, as the liver extensively metabolises finasteride. Seniors and those with certain medical conditions may be at higher risk of side effects. 
• Individuals should disclose all medications, vitamins, and herbs they're taking to their doctor, as dosage adjustments may be necessary.

How Finasteride Tablet Works

Finasteride tablets work by targeting a specific enzyme in the body called 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme plays a vital part in converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that has a significant impact on both prostate growth and hair loss in men.

Finasteride acts as a competitive inhibitor of type II and III 5-alpha reductase enzymes. By blocking these enzymes, finasteride reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT. This action leads to a substantial decrease in DHT levels throughout the body.

For men with BPH, the decrease in DHT hormone levels results in a shrinkage of the prostate gland. This size reduction, which can be around 20-30% after 6-24 months of continuous treatment, helps alleviate bothersome urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

In the case of male pattern baldness, finasteride's mechanism of action involves decreasing scalp DHT concentrations to levels found in areas of the scalp that still have hair. This reduction in DHT can slow down hair loss and even boost hair regrowth in some instances. 

Finasteride's effects are reversible. Once the medication is discontinued, DHT levels typically return to normal within about two weeks, and any benefits gained will gradually diminish.

Can I Take Finasteride with Other Medicines?

Some medications that interact with finasteride include:

• Abametapir (topical)
• Diltiazem
• Fluconazole
• Itraconazole
• Nefazodone
• Nelfinavir
• Olutasidenib
• Osilodrostat
• Pralsetinib
• Sirolimus
• Tacrolimus
• Voriconazole

Dosing Information

The dosage of finasteride varies and depends on the condition being treated. 

For benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), adults typically take 5 mg orally once a day. 

The standard dose for male pattern hair loss is finasteride 1mg orally once daily. It's crucial to follow the doctor's instructions or the directions on the label precisely.

Conclusion

Finasteride has proven to be a versatile medication with significant benefits for men dealing with hair loss and prostate issues. Its ability to reduce DHT levels has a powerful influence on both conditions, offering hope to those struggling with male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia. 

Proper use of finasteride, along with regular check-ups, can lead to noticeable improvements in symptoms and quality of life for many men. However, it's essential to remember that finasteride is unsuitable for everyone, and its effects are only maintained with continued use. 

FAQ's

1. Is finasteride safe?

Finasteride is generally safe to take for extended periods. Many individuals use it for months or even years without experiencing significant problems. However, it's crucial to be aware of potential side effects. Therefore, consulting a doctor for medication instructions for your specific need is essential.

2. What is finasteride used for?

Finasteride has two primary uses. It effectively treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate in men and male pattern baldness. The medication helps alleviate symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty urinating, and the need to urinate at night. Additionally, finasteride increases the amount of scalp hair and slows hair loss, particularly at the crown and middle of the scalp.

3. Is finasteride good or bad for hair?

Finasteride has shown positive results for hair growth in men experiencing male pattern baldness. It works by blocking the secretion of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that results in hair loss. By reducing DHT levels, finasteride can lead to increased hair regrowth and slower hair loss. However, it's important to note that the effects are only maintained as long as the treatment continues. Once the medicine is stopped, hair loss may resume.

4. What should I avoid while taking finasteride?

While taking finasteride, it's crucial to avoid certain activities and substances:

• Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should not manoeuvre crushed or broken finasteride, as it can be absorbed through the skin and may cause some birth defects in male babies.
• Men should inform their doctors about all ongoing medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as some may interact with finasteride.
• Individuals should inform their doctors about their medical history, such as urinary diseases, infections, or a history of prostate cancer.