Finasteride
April 1999
in “Drugs”
TLDR Finasteride treats enlarged prostate, improves urinary flow, but may cause sexual side effects.
Finasteride is a drug used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by inhibiting the activity of 5α-reductase, which reduces dihydrotestosterone levels. It reduces prostate size, improves urinary flow rates, and symptoms associated with BPH. However, it can cause sexually related adverse events such as impotence and decreased libido. Finasteride is generally well-tolerated and is more cost-effective than other treatments for patients with moderate symptoms who receive the drug for ≤3 years and ≤14 years, respectively. It is recommended for use in men with BPH after excluding prostate cancer and other conditions.
View this study on link.springer.com →
Cited in this study
research The Effect of Finasteride on the Risk of Acute Urinary Retention and the Need for Surgical Treatment among Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Finasteride reduces urinary issues and surgery need in men with enlarged prostates by over 50%.
research Maximum Efficacy of Finasteride Is Obtained within 6 Months and Maintained over 6 Years
Finasteride works best in 6 months and lasts 6 years.
research Reversible severe myopathy during treatment with finasteride
research The Efficacy of Terazosin, Finasteride, or Both in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Terazosin and finasteride effectively treat BPH, but combining them adds no extra benefit.
research Effect of MK-386, a novel inhibitor of type 1 5 alpha-reductase, alone and in combination with finasteride, on serum dihydrotestosterone concentrations in men.
MK-386 and finasteride together effectively reduce DHT levels, potentially treating acne and male pattern baldness.
research Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Finasteride
Finasteride helps regrow hair and shrink prostate by reducing DHT, with some sexual side effects.
research Identification of human cytochrome P450 isozymes responsible for the in vitro oxidative metabolism of finasteride.
research Pharmacodynamic modeling of finasteride, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor.
Finasteride, a drug that changes testosterone to a different hormone, was studied and its effects over time were modeled successfully.
research Effect of finasteride on adrenal steroidogenesis in men.
Finasteride, when taken daily, lowers dihydrotestosterone levels but doesn't noticeably affect adrenal steroid production, except by blocking the 5 alpha-reductase enzyme.
research Finasteride, A Steroid 5α-Reductase Inhibitor, Does Not Affect the Oxidative Metabolism of Antipyrine
Finasteride doesn't affect antipyrine metabolism, so interactions with cytochrome P-450 enzyme drugs are unlikely.
research Finasteride
Finasteride treats enlarged prostate, shrinks it, improves urination, but may cause sexual dysfunction and isn't for women or children.
research Finasteride: A slow-binding 5.alpha.-reductase inhibitor
Finasteride slowly binds to 5-alpha-reductase, affecting enzyme stability and inhibitor potency.
research Critical Developmental Periods for Effects on Male Rat Genitalia Induced by Finasteride, a 5α-Reductase Inhibitor
Finasteride affects male rat genitalia development, causing abnormalities during specific pregnancy days.
research Prolonged treatment with finasteride (a 5α-reductase inhibitor) does not affect bone density and metabolism
Long-term finasteride use doesn't change bone density or metabolism.
research The Effect of Finasteride in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Finasteride effectively treats BPH but may increase sexual dysfunction risk.
research Effects of Long Term Treatment With Finasteride (MK-906), a 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor, on Circulating LH, FSH, Prolactin and Estradiol
Finasteride safely lowers DHT levels without affecting hormone levels, helping with conditions like enlarged prostate, acne, and hair loss.
research Disposition and pharmacokinetics of [14C]finasteride after oral administration in humans.
research Effects of Flutamide and Finasteride on Rat Testicular Descent
Androgens, like testosterone, are crucial for early testicular descent in rats.
