Adverse Effects on Marginal Periodontium Due to Finasteride Administration

This document reports on a study investigating the effects of Finasteride administration on the marginal periodontium in patients with androgenic alopecia. Forty-seven patients were monitored for adverse effects during and after treatment cessation, and 12 patients experienced adverse effects at the level of marginal periodontium, including congestion, gingival swelling, and gingival bleeding. These side effects were treated using local antimicrobial therapy, and the decreasing of oral manifestations was faster for patients who discontinued treatment with Finasteride. The study concludes that Finasteride can induce adverse effects at the level of marginal periodontium at usual dosing, and these effects may be the consequence of both direct action of the drug and indirect mechanisms represented by hormonal/immunological changes.