Finasteride
Finasteride Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Finasteride is a brand name. Its generic name is Finasteride.
Introduction
Finasteride is a type of medication used to treat male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It works by blocking the formation of an enzyme responsible for balding, called 5-alpha-reductase.Finasteride is marketed as Propecia for hair loss and Proscar for BPH.
Uses For
Finasteride is used to treat male hormone-related conditions, including male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In men, finasteride is used to treat both BPH and hair loss. In women, finasteride is used to treat the thinning of hair due to female pattern baldness.
Mechanism Of Action
Finasteride works by blocking the production of an enzyme known as 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and is necessary for male pattern balding. By blocking the production of this enzyme, finasteride inhibits the formation of DHT, which is the hormone primarily responsible for male pattern baldness. It also helps reduce the symptoms and reduce the size of the prostate in men with BPH.
How Long Does It Take To Work?
Finasteride begins to work within two to three months; however, it may take up to a year for full results to be visible. It is important to note that if finasteride is stopped, its effects will gradually reverse, and hair loss will resume.
Absorption
Finasteride is well absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations achieved within 2-4 hours of dosing. It is rapidly and extensively metabolized, with less than 0.2% of the drug recovered unchanged in the urine.
Route Of Elimination
Finasteride is metabolized in the liver and then eliminated primarily in the feces. Less than 0.2% of the dose is excreted in the urine.
Dosage
For the treatment of male patterned baldness: The recommended dose of finasteride is 1 mg taken by mouth once daily. For the treatment of BPH: The recommended dose of finasteride is 5mg taken by mouth once daily.
Administration
Finasteride should be taken by mouth, on an empty stomach, with or without food. It should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in the body.
Side Effect
Common side effects of finasteride may include decreased sex drive, difficulty getting and/or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction), decreased semen production, decreased body hair, depression, and gynecomastia (enlarged male breast tissue).
Toxicity
Finasteride is generally well-tolerated. Overdose of finasteride is unlikely to result in serious side effects but may lead to increased risk of side effects such as decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.
Precaution
Before taking finasteride, it is important to discuss its potential risks and benefits with your doctor. People who have known allergies or hypersensitivity to the drug should not take finasteride. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not take finasteride, as it can cause birth defects in male offspring.
Interaction
Finasteride interacts with certain medications including anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, medications used to treat HIV/AIDS, nefazodone, ketoconazole and verapamil. It is important to tell your doctor about any medications that you are taking before started finasteride.
Disease Interaction
Finasteride should not be taken by anyone with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug, by women who are pregnant or nursing, or by children under the age of 18. People with certain medical conditions such as kidney or liver disease, prostate cancer, and/or bladder muscle disorder should not take finasteride without consulting their doctor.
Drug Interaction
Finasteride may interact with certain medications such as anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, medications used to treat HIV/AIDS, nefazodone, ketoconazole and verapamil. It is important to tell your doctor about any medications that you are taking before starting finasteride.
Food Interactions
Finasteride can be taken with or without food. It is important to take finasteride at the same time each day in order to achieve consistent blood levels.
Pregnancy Use
Finasteride should never be used during pregnancy, as it has been known to cause birth defects in male offspring. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should avoid handling finasteride tablets.
Lactation Use
Finasteride should not be used while breastfeeding. The drug can pass on to the infant through milk and could cause abnormal male genitalia in male infants.
Acute Overdose
The effects of an overdose of finasteride are unknown. If an overdose is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.
Contraindication
Finasteride should not be used in people with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug, and should not be used by women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Use Direction
The recommended dose of finasteride is 1 mg taken by mouth once daily for the treatment of male pattern baldness, and 5mg taken by mouth once daily for the treatment of BPH. It should be taken at the same time each day on an empty stomach, with or without food.
Storage Condition
Finasteride should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. It should be discarded after the expiration date has passed.
Volume Of Distribution
The volume of distribution for finasteride is estimated to range between 76 L and 280L.
Half Life
The half life of finasteride is approximately 5-6 hours.
Clearance
The clearance of finasteride is estimated to be 3-9mL/min.
Here you find in details version of Finasteride
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Finasteride
.What is finasteride?
Finasteride is a medication used to treat prostate enlargement, male pattern baldness, and other medical conditions.
What does Finasteride do?
Finasteride works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By inhibiting this enzyme, finasteride reduces the levels of DHT in the scalp and can help slow down hair loss and promote hair regrowth.
What's the difference between Finasteride and Minoxidil?
Finasteride is a medication that works by inhibiting the production of DHT, while minoxidil is a topical solution applied directly to the scalp that works by increasing blood flow to the scalp and promoting the growth of new hairs. While both can be used to treat hair loss, they have different mechanisms of action.
How long does it take for Finasteride to start working?
It can take anywhere from three months to one year for Finasteride to start working. It is important to be patient and continue taking the medication as prescribed.
How long do I need to take Finasteride for?
You need to continue taking Finasteride for as long as you want to maintain the benefits. Discontinuing the medication can cause a regression of the effects.
Can Finasteride be used to treat hair loss in women?
No, Finasteride is not indicated for use in women and can cause serious side effects if taken by women.
What are the side effects of Finasteride?
The most common side effects of Finasteride include decreased libido, difficulty achieving an erection, and decreased ejaculate volume. You should speak to your doctor if you experience any other side effects.
Does Finasteride affect fertility?
There is no conclusive evidence of Finasteride affecting fertility, however, it is not recommended for men who are trying to conceive.
Can Finasteride be used to treat prostate enlargement?
Yes, Finasteride is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlargement of the prostate gland.
What is the difference between Finasteride and Dutasteride?
Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that blocks the production of DHT, while dutasteride is a dual 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that blocks type 1 and type 2 enzymes involved in the production of DHT.
Is Finasteride safe to take?
Yes, Finasteride is generally considered safe for most people, however, it is important to speak to your doctor about any potential side effects.
Can Finasteride be used to treat alopecia areata?
No, Finasteride is not indicated for the treatment of alopecia areata.
Does Finasteride cause any long-term side effects?
There is no conclusive evidence that Finasteride causes any long-term side effects, however, it is always recommended to speak to your doctor about any potential side effects.
Can Finasteride be taken with other medications?
It is important to speak to your doctor before taking Finasteride with any other medications or supplements, as some may interfere with its efficacy.
What age should you start taking Finasteride?
Finasteride is not recommended for use in men under the age of 18. Speak to your doctor to determine if it is appropriate for you.
How does Finasteride work for hair loss?
Finasteride works by blocking the production of DHT, which is a hormone that is responsible for male pattern baldness. By blocking the production of DHT, Finasteride can help slow down hair loss and promote hair regrowth.
Is Finasteride safe for long-term use?
Yes, while there is no conclusive evidence that Finasteride causes any long-term side effects, it is important to speak to your doctor before taking Finasteride for an extended period of time.
How often should you take Finasteride?
Finasteride should be taken once a day as prescribed by your doctor, preferably at the same time each day.
Is Finasteride available over-the-counter?
No, Finasteride is prescription only and should only be taken under the guidance of a physician.
Can Finasteride cause weight gain?
No, there is no conclusive evidence that Finasteride causes weight gain.
Can Finasteride be taken with alcohol?
It is not recommended to take Finasteride with alcohol. You should speak with your doctor before taking Finasteride along with any other substances.
Can Finasteride cause cancer?
No, there is no conclusive evidence that Finasteride causes cancer.
Can Finasteride be taken with high blood pressure medications?
Yes, Finasteride can be taken with high blood pressure medications but always speak to your doctor before taking any additional medications or supplements.
Does Finasteride have any effect on testosterone?
No, Finasteride does not have any direct effect on testosterone levels.
Can Finasteride cause depression?
No, there is no conclusive evidence that Finasteride causes depression, however, some people may experience depression while taking Finasteride.
Does Finasteride cause sexual side effects?
Yes, Finasteride can cause decreased libido, difficulty achieving an erection, and decreased ejaculate volume.
What can I do to minimize the side effects of Finasteride?
It is important to speak to your doctor if you experience any side effects while taking Finasteride. Your doctor may be able to adjust the dosage or recommend other treatments to minimize the side effects.
What are the symptoms of Finasteride overdose?
Symptoms of an overdose may include severe dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Can Finasteride reduce testosterone levels in men?
No, Finasteride does not reduce testosterone levels in men.
Is Finasteride effective for male pattern baldness?
Yes, Finasteride is effective at slowing down hair loss and promoting hair regrowth in cases of male pattern baldness.
What is the recommended daily dose of Finasteride?
The recommended daily dose of Finasteride is 1mg, however, this may vary depending on your individual needs. Speak with your doctor to determine the right dosage for you.
Can Finasteride be used in combination with other treatments?
Yes, Finasteride can be used in combination with other treatments for hair loss, such as minoxidil.
Can Finasteride be taken with other drugs?
It is important to speak to your doctor before taking Finasteride with any other drugs or supplements, as some may interfere with its efficacy.
What is the average price of Finasteride?
The cost of Finasteride will vary depending on your insurance plan, however, it is typically around $50-$100 for a one-month supply.
Can Finasteride cause weight loss?
No, there is no evidence that Finasteride causes weight loss.
Can Finasteride cause hair shedding?
Yes, Finasteride can cause temporary hair shedding, which is often referred to as the ‘shedding phase’. This is usually an initial side effect that occurs as Finasteride takes effect and will eventually subside.
Can Finasteride be used to treat receding hairlines?
Yes, Finasteride can be used to treat receding hairlines in men with male pattern baldness.
Is Finasteride available in generic form?
Yes, Finasteride is available in generic form and is typically less expensive than the brand-name version.
Do I need a prescription to get Finasteride?
Yes, Finasteride is a prescription-only medication and you will need to speak to your doctor to get a prescription.
Can Finasteride be used to treat hirsutism?
Yes, Finasteride can be used to treat hirsutism, which is the development of excessive hair in women in areas where it is not normally found.
Can Finasteride be used to treat acne?
No, Finasteride is not indicated for the treatment of acne.