Finasteride

April 1999 in “ Drugs ”

Michelle I. Wilde, Karen L. Goa

finasteride 5α-reductase dihydrotestosterone BPH benign prostatic hyperplasia Propecia

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.

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Research cited in this study

18 / 18 results

The Effect of Finasteride on the Risk of Acute Urinary Retention and the Need for Surgical Treatment Among Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

research The Effect of Finasteride on the Risk of Acute Urinary Retention and the Need for Surgical Treatment Among Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

1054 citations, February 1998 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

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

34 citations, January 1998 in “European Urology”

Finasteride works best in 6 months and lasts 6 years.

research Reversible Severe Myopathy During Treatment with Finasteride

5 citations, April 1997 in “Muscle & Nerve”

research The Efficacy of Terazosin, Finasteride, or Both in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

728 citations, August 1996 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Terazosin and finasteride effectively treat BPH, but combining them adds no extra benefit.

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

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

6 citations, August 1996 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

MK-386 and finasteride together effectively reduce DHT levels, potentially treating acne and male pattern baldness.

research Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Finasteride

93 citations, January 1996 in “Clinical Pharmacokinectics”

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

20 citations, October 1995 in “PubMed”

research Pharmacodynamic Modeling of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor

7 citations, July 1995 in “PubMed”

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

5 citations, July 1994 in “PubMed”

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

9 citations, October 1993 in “The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology”

Finasteride doesn't affect antipyrine metabolism, so interactions with cytochrome P-450 enzyme drugs are unlikely.

research Finasteride

86 citations, July 1993 in “Drugs”

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

70 citations, June 1993 in “Biochemistry”

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

86 citations, March 1993 in “Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology”

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

48 citations, November 1992 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

Long-term finasteride use doesn't change bone density or metabolism.

research The Effect of Finasteride in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

1040 citations, October 1992 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

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

10 citations, October 1992 in “Hormone and Metabolic Research”

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

17 citations, March 1992 in “PubMed”

research Effects of Flutamide and Finasteride on Rat Testicular Descent

143 citations, August 1991 in “Endocrinology”

Androgens, like testosterone, are crucial for early testicular descent in rats.

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research Pharmacotherapy of Androgenetic Alopecia – A Literature Review

November 2022 in “Journal of Education, Health and Sport”

Combination therapy for hair loss can improve results and reduce side effects.

research Retracted Article: Interaction Study Between Finasteride and Tamsulosin in Healthy Young Male Subjects

1 citations, January 2014 in “Clinical Drug Investigation”