Finasteride Pharmacology

Finasteride

About Finasteride
5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, Synthetic anti-androgen.
Mechanism of Action of Finasteride
This synthetic 4-azasteroid derivative competitively inhibits steroid 5alpha reductase, which is an enzyme responsible for active androgen dehydrotestosterone (this enzyme influences the development of prostate gland, so decreasing level of this hormone relieve the symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia)from testosterone.
Pharmacokinets of Finasteride
Absorption- Poorly absorbed after oral administration
Distribution- Widely distributed in the body. It crosses the blood-brain barrier. 90% bound to the plasma proteins
Metabolism- Metabolized in the liver to its metabolites. Two metabolites, the t-butyl side chain monohydroxylated and monocarboxylic acid metabolites have been identified that possess not more than 20% of the 5alpha-reductase inhibitory activity of finasteride.
Excretion- It is excreted through urine and feces
Onset of Action for Finasteride
After a few months
Duration of Action for Finasteride
24hrs
Half Life of Finasteride
Its plasma half life is 4.8-6 hours
Side Effects of Finasteride
1. Increased libido
2. Breast tenderness
3. Impotence
4. Hypersensitivity reactions.
5. Impotence (inability to have or maintain an erection)
6. Nipple discharge
Contra-indications of Finasteride
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the drug
Special Precautions while taking Finasteride
1. Hepatic dysfunction
2. Patients with large residual urine volume
3. Increase in PSA level
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
May be used
Breast Feeding Related Information
Use with caution
Children Related Information
May be used
Indications for Finasteride
1. Benign prostatic hyperplasia
2. 1st stage of prostate cancer
3. Hirsuitism
4. Acne
5. Adjuvant therapy of radical prostectomy
6. Androgenic baldness
Interactions for Finasteride
Theophylline: Increased theophylline clearance and decreased its half-life.
Typical Dosage for Finasteride
Oral-
Adult-
5mg/day for 6 to 12 months
Androgenic baldness: 1mg/day for 3 months or more
Schedule of Finasteride
N/A
Storage Requirements for Finasteride
Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture
Effects of Missed Dosage of Finasteride
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Finasteride
Give symptomatic and supportive treatment

Home Delivery for Finasteride in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including finasteride.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for finasteride and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for finasteride may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take finasteride only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for finasteride before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for finasteride with the pharmacy.

Finasteride is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for finasteride might be better known than finasteride itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have finasteride in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for finasteride.