Finasteride - For Prostate Problems and Male Pattern Baldness

Finasteride belongs to the class of enzyme inhibitors. Finasteride blocks 5-alpha-reductase, which is critical in changing testosterone into another hormone that causes prostate enlargement. BPH (Benign prostatic hypertrophy) occurs in men over 55 years. Finasteride has been used in the treatment of urinary problems resulting from an enlarged prostate. Finasteride is effective in reducing the severity of the symptoms. But the prostate tends to grow again if the drug is discontinued.

Finasteride is also used in stimulating hair growth in the case of male pattern balding. Read up on Hair Restoration in the TargetWoman Collection of articles. Male pattern baldness or Androgenetic Alopecia is caused by increased levels of DHT (DiHydro Testosterone). Propecia (brand name for Finasteride) blocks the formation of DHT thereby maintaining or increasing the hair growth.

Side Effects of finasteride: The side effects of Finasteride that are noticed range from skin rashes and swelling of lips to breast enlargement. Rarely do persons on Finasteride experience abdominal or back pain, dizziness, headache or impotence. Men on Finasteride faced lesser desire for sex and reduced semen. This drug is never recommended for women. Women who are pregnant or of childbearing age must not handle crushed tablets of Finasteride as it can cause birth defects in a male fetus. Finasteride falls in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Since Finasteride is mainly metabolized by the liver, patients with liver dysfunction must inform their physicians about it. Patients who are taking amphetamines, antihistamines, antidepressants, decongestants or ephedrine must consult the doctor before embarking on a course of Finasteride.

Dosage of finasteride: Propecia is also known as 1 mg. finasteride - it is a potent inhibitor of human 5 alpha-reductase without affecting the circulating effects of Testosterone. Proscar is yet another brand name for Finasteride. Finasteride tablets are usually taken once a day. It is not advisable to take more than the prescribed dosage. The drug must be stored away from light in a tightly- closed container. For BPH patients, a 5 mg dose of Proscar daily is prescribed by physicians. Taking additional doses will not make it work faster or better. 1 mg dose of Finasteride is prescribed for those suffering from male pattern baldness. Find out more about hair loss, its causes and patterns in Hair Loss in the TargetWoman Collection of articles.