Finasteride in the Treatment of Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Review

July 2009 in “ Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management ”

Angela B Smith, Culley C. Carson

finasteride 5α-reductase inhibitor dihydrotestosterone testosterone Propecia

Studysummary This review discusses the use of finasteride for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia and highlights its potential for reducing prostate size, symptom control, and lowering the risk of surgery and urinary retention. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The review discussed the use of finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition in aging men that can lead to serious complications. Finasteride works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, reducing prostate size and lowering the risk of acute urinary retention and BPH-related surgery, particularly in men with enlarged prostates (>25 mL). The article evaluated the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of finasteride, its potential for combination therapy, and its impact on prostate cancer risk.

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research Five-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors for Prostate Cancer Prevention

37 citations , April 2008 in “The Cochrane library”

This study concluded that five-alpha-reductase inhibitors may reduce prostate cancer risk but could increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer in men regularly screened for the disease.

The Effect of 5α-Reductase Inhibition With Dutasteride and Finasteride on Bone Mineral Density, Serum Lipoproteins, Hemoglobin, Prostate Specific Antigen, and Sexual Function in Healthy Young Men

research The Effect of 5α-Reductase Inhibition With Dutasteride and Finasteride on Bone Mineral Density, Serum Lipoproteins, Hemoglobin, Prostate Specific Antigen, and Sexual Function in Healthy Young Men

72 citations , April 2008 in “The Journal of urology/The journal of urology”

This study found that 1-year use of 5alpha-reductase inhibitors, dutasteride or finasteride, significantly lowered dihydrotestosterone levels without adversely affecting bone density, lipids, or hemoglobin in normal men.

research Finasteride 5mg and Sexual Side Effects: How Many Are Related to a Nocebo Phenomenon?

225 citations , July 2007 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

In this study, patients informed about finasteride's potential sexual side effects reported a significantly higher occurrence of these side effects, suggesting a nocebo effect.

research Finasteride Induced Depression: A Prospective Study

99 citations , October 2006 in “BMC clinical pharmacology”

This preliminary study suggests that finasteride might cause depressive symptoms, indicating the need for cautious prescription in patients at high risk for depression.

research The Long-Term Effect of Doxazosin, Finasteride, and Combination Therapy on the Clinical Progression of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

1707 citations , December 2003 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Combination therapy of doxazosin and finasteride safely and effectively reduces benign prostatic hyperplasia progression risk.

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”

In this study, men with benign prostatic hyperplasia who took finasteride for four years experienced reduced urinary symptoms, fewer surgeries, less acute urinary retention, increased urinary flow rates, and decreased prostate volume.

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.

research The Effect of Finasteride in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

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

In this study, 5 mg of finasteride per day significantly improved urinary symptoms and reduced prostate volume in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, but increased the risk of sexual dysfunction.