Propecia
finasteride
Pharmacologic class: Androgen inhibitor
Therapeutic class: Sex hormone, hair regrowth stimulant
Pregnancy risk category X
Action
Suppresses dihydrotestosterone levels by inhibiting the hepatic enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone in prostate, liver, and skin
Availability
Tablets: 1 mg (Propecia), 5 mg (Proscar)
Indications and dosages
➣ Symptomatic benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
Adults: 5 mg P.O. daily
➣ To reduce risk of progression of BPH symptoms
Adults: 5 mg P.O. daily (Proscar) given with doxazosin
➣ Male-pattern baldness
Adults: 1 mg P.O. daily
Off-label uses
• Acne in women
• Hirsutism
Contraindications
• Hypersensitivity to drug or its components
• Pregnant patients, women who may potentially be pregnant
Precautions
Use cautiously in:
• hepatic impairment, obstructive uropathy, increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer, decrease in serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level
• women (not indicated)
• children (not indicated).
Administration
• Give with or without food.
• Know that female patients who are or may be pregnant shouldn't handle crushed or broken tablets. (Tablets are coated, so handling of intact tablets doesn't pose a problem.)
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Adverse reactions
CNS: dizziness, headache, asthenia
EENT: lip swelling
GU: erectile dysfunction, decreased ejaculate volume, decreased libido, testicular pain, gynecomastia
Musculoskeletal: back pain
Skin: rash
Interactions
Drug-drug. Theophylline: increased theophylline clearance
Drug-diagnostic tests. PSA: 50% decrease
Patient monitoring
• Carefully evaluate sustained PSA increases during therapy.
• Monitor fluid intake and output closely.
Patient teaching
• Tell patient he may take drug with or without food.
• Caution patient to avoid driving and other hazardous activities until he knows how drug affects concentration and alertness.
• Inform patient that he may experience erectile dysfunction and decreased ejaculate. Advise him to discuss these issues with prescriber.
• Caution female caregiver or companion who is or may be pregnant not to handle crushed or broken tablets.
• Tell patient he may need at least 6 months of therapy for BPH treatment and at least 3 months to see improvement in male-pattern baldness.
• Inform patient with BPH that he'll undergo periodic digital rectal exams.
• Instruct patient not to donate blood for at least 1 month after last dose.
• As appropriate, review all other significant adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs and tests mentioned above.
Propecia
(prə-pē′shə)Propecia®
Finasteride Esthetic medicine An agent for treating male pattern hair loss–androgenetic alopecia on the vertex and the anterior midscalp area Contraindications ♀, children. See Male-pattern baldness.Propecia
A brand name for FINASTERIDE.Patient discussion about Propecia
Q. i wan't to know. what are the side effects of propecia pills. and more about them please
Q. Do you know if Propecia can truly stop hair loss and even grow back hair. do you have any statistics about it? do you know if there are any side effects to this medication?