Finasteride

Finasteride exhibits antiandrogenic medicinal activity. It is a hormonal medication – it is an artificial selective blocker of 5α-reductase type 2 activity.

The drug reduces tissue and free dihydrotestosterone levels with high efficiency. At the same time, the drug does not demonstrate tropism for androgenic endings, and at the same time does not have any other hormonal effect on the body.

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Indications Finasteride

It is used for the following disorders:

• benign prostatic hyperplasia (to reduce its size);
• when there is a need to improve the processes of urination, as well as to alleviate the symptoms of existing hyperplasia;
• the need to reduce the risk of developing acute urinary retention, which requires catheterization or surgery.

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Release form

The release of the medicinal element is realized in tablets - 7, 10 or 14 pieces inside a cellular pack. Inside the box there are 1, 2, 3 or 4 such packs.

Pharmacodynamics

The 5α-reductase component (type 2) is an intracellular enzyme that converts testosterone into the androgenic substance dihydrotestosterone, which exhibits higher therapeutic activity.

In the case of prostate adenoma, the increase in its size is directly determined by the conversion of testosterone into the element dihydrotestosterone inside the tissues of the prostate gland.

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Pharmacokinetics

The drug is fully and rapidly absorbed in the intestine. The absorption process ends after approximately 7 hours. The average bioavailability is 80%. Cmax values in circulating blood are recorded after 1-2 hours.

93% of drug molecules bind to intraplasmic protein. The drug overcomes the BBB if used for 7-10 days. Intrahepatic metabolic processes lead to the formation of 5 metabolic elements, of which only two are active.

The half-life is approximately 6 hours. About 39% of the administered dose is excreted in the urine in the form of derivatives, and the remainder in the feces.

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Dosing and administration

Finasteride should be taken orally - 1 tablet 1 time per day (no need to chew it). Therapy is often long-term, and the timing is selected for patients individually.

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Use Finasteride during pregnancy

The medicine is not prescribed to women.

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Contraindications

Among the contraindications:

• severe drug intolerance;
• prostate carcinoma;
• uropathy of an obstructive nature.

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Side effects Finasteride

Main side effects:

• immune disorders: signs of hypersensitivity;
• mental disorders: decreased libido;
• problems with circulatory function: development of palpitations;
• lesions associated with digestive activity: activation of intrahepatic enzymes;
• epidermal disorders: itching, rash or urticaria;
• symptoms related to sexual function and mammary glands: gynecomastia, impotence, pain in the testicular area, ejaculation disorder and decreased volume of ejaculate.

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Overdose

Combination with Ca channel blockers, benzodiazepines, ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs, as well as with nitrates, H2-end blockers, β-blockers, diuretics, quinolones, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, as well as with α-blockers does not lead to the appearance of a noticeable therapeutic interaction.

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Storage conditions

Finasteride should be stored in a place protected from sunlight, moisture and children.

Shelf life

Finasteride can be used within a 3-year period from the date of manufacture of the medicinal substance.

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Application for children

Finasteride is not used in pediatrics.

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Analogues

Analogues of the drug are Urofin, Penester, Finister and Finasteride Teva with Adenosteride-Health, as well as Proscar, Avodart, Urofin and Finpros with Prostan.

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Reviews

Finasteride receives good reviews from patients - with long-term use according to the doctor's chosen regimens, the drug demonstrates high therapeutic effectiveness.

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