Description
Chemical Name: FINASTERIDE (fi-NAS-teer-ide)
PROPECIA(Finasteride) is a medication prescribed to treat and prevent male pattern baldness in male patients.
Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) typically occurs in adults over the age of 18. In men with this condition, the scalp contains hair follicles with an increased amount of receptors for dihydrotestosterone (DHT) compared to those without male pattern baldness. DHT receptors often increase with age.
PROPECIA works by lowering the amount of circulating DHT, preventing the destruction of hair follicles. PROPECIA is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor and works by preventing enzyme 5-alpha-reductase from converting testosterone to DHT.
PROPECIA may take several weeks or months to begin showing a noticeable effect. PROPECIA must be taken every day to work effectively.
Directions
The normal directions are to take 1 mg by mouth once daily with or without food.
Take PROPECIA exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in PROPECIA is finasteride.
Finasteride 1 mg is the name for generic PROPECIA.
Fact Table |
Formula |
C23H36N2O2 |
License |
US FDA |
Bioavailability |
65% |
Legal status |
US: RX Only |
Chemical Name |
Finasteride |
Elimination half-life |
Adults: 5–6 hours Elderly: Greater than 8 hours |
Dosage (Strength) |
1mg (28, 56, or 84 tablets) |
Pregnancy |
Consult a doctor |
Brands |
Propecia, Proscar |
Protein binding |
90% |
PubChem CID |
57363 |
MedlinePlus |
a698016 |
ChEBI |
5056 |
ATC code |
G04CB01 |
DrugBank |
DB01216 |
KEGG |
D00321 |
Routes of administration |
By mouth |
Cautions
PROPECIA is not indicated for the treatment or prevention of baldness in women or children.
Pregnant women should not handle PROPECIA tablets because they can absorb through the skin and cause birth defects.
Use with caution if you have a history of hepatic impairment, as PROPECIA is metabolized extensively in the liver.
Side Effects
The most common adverse effects that happen when taking PROPECIA include:
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for a full list of side effects that apply to you.
References
- Propecia [package insert]. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck; 2010.
- Male Pattern Baldness, Healthline, September 25th, 2017. Retrieved May 2020.
About Dr. Conor Sheehy (Page Author)
Dr. Sheehy (BSc Molecular Biology, PharmD) works a clinical pharmacist specializing in cardiology, oncology, and ambulatory care. He’s a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist (BCPS), and his experience working one-on-one with patients to fine tune their medication and therapy plans for optimal results makes him a valuable subject matter expert for our pharmacy. Read More....
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 1750