Uses of Finasteride

Finasteride is used to treat signs and symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in men. It is used to treat hair loss (male pattern baldness) in men. Male pattern baldness (also known as androgenetic alopecia) is a common type of hair loss that primarily affects the hairs present in the crown and at the front portion of the scalp. It happens mainly due to hormonal imbalance and is often characterized by baldness and hair thinning.

Therapeutic Category

Finasteride: II 5-Alpha reductase inhibitors

How Finasteride works

Finasteride helps in treating hormonal imbalance that cause shrinkage of an enlarged prostate, where finasteride works by blocking the production of a stress hormone called dihydrotestosterone in the body that causes prostate enlargement. As a result, it reduces the size of prostate, prevents further growth, and improves urine flow. It also corrects the hormonal imbalance responsible for baldness and hair thinning.

Common side effects of Finasteride

• problems in erection (impotence)
• decrease in sex drive
• problems with ejaculation

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience, any signs of allergic reactions (such as skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or throat which can lead to difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
• If you experience problems in erection (impotence)
• If you experience decrease in sex drive
• If you experience problems with ejaculation

Health Tips for Finasteride

• Take finasteride exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Follow the recommended dosage and dosing schedule
• If you're prescribed finasteride tablets, take them whole. Do not crush, split, or chew them unless your healthcare provider advises you to do so
• If you're taking finasteride, you should not donate blood for at least six months after your last dose. This is to prevent potential transfer of the medication to a pregnant woman through a blood transfusion
• If you're of reproductive age and sexually active, discuss family planning with your healthcare provider. Finasteride can affect male fertility and should not be handled by pregnant women
• Maintain adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Follow a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, manage stress, and get enough sleep. These lifestyle factors can contribute to your overall well-being and complement the effects of finasteride