5α-Reductase Inhibitors/Finasteride: A Safe and Effective Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Two multicenter placebo-controlled studies demonstrated that after 12 months of treatment with 5 mg finasteride daily, prostate volume, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were reduced, while maximum urinary flow rates and symptom scores improved. Finasteride was well-tolerated. A long-term study involving approximately half of the patients who were initially treated with 5 mg finasteride for 3 years confirmed the continued safety and efficacy of the drug in the treatment of symptomatic BPH.