PROSCAR - Finasteride

Proscar Used For

Proscar is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate to reduce symptoms, risk of acute urinary retention & the risk of the need for surgery including transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and prostatectomy. It lowers levels of a key hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is a major cause of prostate growth. In certain men, Finasteride may also be prescribed for help with male pattern hair loss.

Directions for Proscar Finasteride

The recommended dose of Proscar is 5 mg orally once a day. It can be administered alone or in combination with the alpha-blocker doxazosin. This medication may be administered with or without meals. For treatment of male pattern hair loss, recommended finasteride dosage is 1 mg once a day.

How Proscar works

Proscar treatment is only indicated for men and should not be used by women, especially pregnant ones. Pregnant or lactating women should never handle broken or crushed tablets of finasteride since absorption of the active ingredient through the skin might result in birth abnormalities and other defects in the fetus. Prior to initiating therapy with Proscar, other conditions such as infection, prostate cancer, stricture disease, hypotonic bladder or other neurogenic disorders that might mimic BPH should be clearly identified. Patients with large residual urinary volume and/or severely diminished urinary flow might require obstructive uropathy and so can not be put on finasteride therapy. Caution should be used in the administration of this drug for patients with liver function abnormalities, as finasteride is metabolized extensively in the liver.

Proscar side effects

Side effects of Proscar may include impotence (an inability to have an erection) or less desire for sex. Some men taking this drug may have changes or problems with ejaculation or a decrease in the amount of semen released during sex, though it might not interfere with normal sexual function. Some men may also feel breast enlargement and/or tenderness. It is advisable to consult your doctor immediately if you find any changes in your breasts such as lumps, pain or nipple discharge. Finasteride may also cause allergic reactions such as rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the lips and face. Testicular pain might be felt in rare cases.

Other Proscar Information

Finasteride tablets may be crushed to make them easier to swallow. The tablet may also be split and taken at half the dose but only after medical advice.