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Fact Table
| Fact Table | |
|---|---|
| Formula | C23H36N2O2 |
| License | FDA approved (June 19, 1992) |
| Bioavailability | ~65% (oral) |
| Legal status | Prescription only (Rx) |
| Chemical Name | N-(1,1-Dimethylethyl)-3-oxo-4-aza-5a-androst-1-ene-17ß-carboxamide |
| Elimination half-life | ~5–6 hours in adults; ~8 hours in elderly men |
| Dosage (Strength) | 5 mg oral tablets; usual dose 5 mg once daily |
| Pregnancy | Contraindicated in pregnancy; may cause abnormalities of the external genitalia of a male fetus |
| Brands | Proscar; generic finasteride available |
| Protein binding | ~90% |
| PubChem CID | 57363 |
| MedlinePlus | a698016 |
| ChEBI | 5062 |
| ATC code | G04CB01 |
| DrugBank | DB01216 |
| KEGG | D00321 |
| Routes of administration | By mouth (oral tablets) |
Proscar (finasteride) is a medication used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in which the prostate gland becomes enlarged in men. It works by blocking an enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can cause the prostate to grow. By reducing DHT levels, Proscar helps shrink an enlarged prostate and can improve symptoms like difficulty urinating or frequent urination.
Directions
Proscar is taken orally as a tablet, typically at a dose of 5 mg once daily. You can take it with or without food, and it may be taken at any time of day.
Improvement in symptoms may take several months to become noticeable. Do not stop taking Proscar without consulting a healthcare provider, even if symptoms improve, as the condition may worsen if treatment is discontinued.
If a missed dose is remembered on the same day, it should be taken as soon as possible. If it's nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Proscar is finasteride.
Cautions
Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
- Any existing health conditions
- Any allergies
- A list of all medications currently being taken
- Proscar can lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels by about 50%, which may affect prostate cancer screening. Any rise in PSA while taking this medication should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
- Some studies suggest Proscar may increase the risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer, so regular monitoring is important.
- Pregnant women or those who may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken tablets because the drug can harm a developing male fetus.
- Not for women or children. Proscar is approved only for adult men and should not be used by females or pediatric patients.
- Other conditions may cause similar symptoms. Before starting Proscar, your healthcare provider may check for other prostate or urinary problems that can cause similar symptoms to an enlarged prostate.
Contraindications
Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:
- Pregnancy or potential pregnancy
- Hypersensitivity to finasteride or any ingredient of the formulation
Side Effects
Common side effects of Proscar include:
- Trouble getting or keeping an erection
- Decreased sex drive
- Reduced amount of semen during ejaculation
- Ejaculation problems
These side effects are related to how the medication affects hormones that influence prostate growth. Some men may also notice breast tenderness or enlargement. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop breast pain, lumps, or nipple discharge.
More serious side effects are less common but possible. Rarely, Proscar has been linked to allergic reactions such as rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat. Some men have reported testicular pain, blood in semen, depression, or sexual side effects that continued after stopping the medication.
Frequently Asked Questions about Proscar (Finasteride)
What is Proscar used for?
Proscar is the brand name for finasteride 5 mg, a prescription medicine used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, also called an enlarged prostate. It can help improve urinary symptoms, lower the risk of sudden urinary retention, and reduce the chance that prostate surgery will be needed.
How does Proscar work?
Proscar works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. Lowering DHT can shrink the prostate over time, which may improve urine flow and reduce symptoms such as hesitancy, weak stream, and frequent urination.
How is Proscar usually taken?
Proscar is usually taken by mouth once daily, with or without food. It should be taken exactly as prescribed, and benefits may take several months to become noticeable, so regular daily use is important.
Is Proscar the same as finasteride used for hair loss?
No. Proscar contains finasteride 5 mg and is used for enlarged prostate. A lower-strength finasteride product is used for male pattern hair loss. These uses are different and should not be substituted without medical guidance.
What are the most common side effects of Proscar?
Common side effects can include decreased sex drive, trouble with ejaculation, erectile difficulties, and breast tenderness or enlargement. Some people do not experience these effects, but any persistent or concerning changes should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Are there important safety warnings with Proscar?
Yes. Proscar is for use in men only. Women who are or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken tablets because finasteride can affect the development of a male fetus. Tablets that are intact are coated and normally safe to handle.
Does Proscar affect PSA blood test results?
Yes. Proscar can lower prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, levels by about half in many patients. This is important because PSA is used in prostate monitoring, so clinicians need to know a person is taking finasteride when interpreting results.
Can Proscar be used with other medicines for prostate symptoms?
Yes. In some cases, Proscar is used together with an alpha-blocker such as doxazosin to improve symptom control. Any treatment combination should be guided by a clinician because other medicines and conditions can affect the best choice.
What should someone do if they miss a dose?
A missed dose is usually taken when remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is close to the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular schedule resumed. Two doses should not be taken at the same time.
Who should not take Proscar?
Proscar should not be used by women or children. It is generally intended for men with enlarged prostate, and it is not meant to treat symptoms caused by prostate cancer. Anyone with liver concerns, breast changes, or questions about fertility should review these issues before or during treatment.
