INTRODUCTION

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH is generally associated with the enlargement of the prostate gland in men. This particular condition gives rise to many complicated problems like frequent urination, difficulty in urination, and incapability to fully evacuate the bladder. The common cause of BPH is age. More than 50% of men with 55 years of age and above are likely to be suffering from BPH. You must properly diagnose BPH to evaluate various treatment options and avert the risk of more severe problems like prostate cancer. Proscar (Finasteride) is one of the effective treatments available for the problem of enlarged prostate.

Finasteride under the brand name Proscar got the approval from the US FDA in 1992 as a treatment for prostate enlargement. As a synthetic antiandrogen, Proscar inhibits the activity of an enzyme called type II 5-alpha reductase that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The prostate gland increases in size when the DHT level increases in the body. When Proscar prevents 5-alpha reductase enzyme from generating DHT, the level of DHT decreases, paving the way for the shrinkage of prostate gland and the relaxation of the smooth muscles lining the urethra. The continuous treatment with Proscar (Finasteride) can improve BPH symptoms, and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and prostate surgery. Prostate cancer can also be treated with Proscar, if taken in higher doses.

You can avail Proscar tablets in 5 mg of Finasteride which is the active ingredient in this medication. Each tablet also contains various inactive ingredients such as microcrystalline cellulose, hydrous lactose, sodium starch glycolate, pregelatinized starch, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose LF, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, docusate sodium, talc, FD&C Blue 2 Aluminum Lake and yellow iron oxide.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Proscar (Finasteride) is primarily indicated for the treatment of symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. It can be combined with the alpha-blocker doxazosin to lower the risk of symptomatic progression of BPH. As it is mentioned earlier, Finasteride decreases the need for prostate surgery including prostatectomy and transurethral resection of the prostate. The risk of acute urinary retention can also be avoided. Proscar is indicated for treating prostate cancer too in higher doses. Propecia with the same generic name Finasteride came into the limelight in 1997 as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness).

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

The prescribed dosage of Proscar (Finasteride) is 5 mg orally once a day. Take a full glass of water and swallow the pill whole without crushing or chewing it. You can take this medication with or without meals. Finasteride is usually continued on a long-term basis to gain benefits. You have to wait for at least 3 months to experience improvements in your condition. However, Propecia is administered in 1 mg of Finasteride once a day.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Proscar (Finasteride) is contraindicated in patients who show allergic reaction to the drug or any of its components. As Finasteride is meant to be used by men only, it is obviously contraindicated in women and children. Pregnant women should be extra careful in handling this drug as broken pieces of Finasteride can be absorbed through the skin to cause defects of the external sex organ of a male fetus.