|
Brand Name Manufacturers |
Proscar by Merck
Propecia by Merck |
|
Generic Manufacturers |
None |
|
Pharmacology |
Androgen conversion inhibitor. Inhibits the production of
dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from testosterone by inhibiting
the binding of 5a-reductase, which is the enzyme responsible
for converting testosterone to DHT. DHT is the active androgen
found in the skin and prostate gland, and is associated with
the development of male pattern baldness, excess body hair,
and benign prostatic hypertrophy. Not suitable as a general
anti-androgen since it only affects DHT production. However,
it seems to be more helpful in counteracting male-pattern
baldness and excess body hair than general anti-androgens.
|
|
Delivery |
5mg oral tablets (Proscar)
1mg oral tablets (Propecia) |
|
Typical dosage |
Pre-op 0.05-1mg/day
Post-op 0.05-1mg/day
(See comments below) |
|
Availability |
Approved by U.S. FDA |
|
Indications |
Benign prostate enlargement |
|
Contraindications |
Hypersensitivity to any component of the product. |
|
Adverse reactions |
Generally mild and transient |
|
Comments |
Anecdotal evidence strongly suggests that pill fragments taken
daily are just as effective as taking the entire pill. There
might issues with oxidation, so avoid handling the unused
fragments, and keep them in a small, air-tight container.
Do not
let a female who is pregnant, or might be pregnant, anywhere
near finasteride fragments or powder. It is a strong teratogen,
known to cause genital deformity in the male fetus.
Based
on rabbit and rat studies, there may be a slight effect
on male fertility that would reverse within 6 weeks of discontinuing.
|
| Additional
Info: |
Propecia
Prescribing Information (PDF file on this site)
Proscar Prescribing
Information (PDF file on this site) |