Proscar (finasteride 5mg) is a prescription medication specifically formulated for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. As a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, it operates at the hormonal level to reduce prostate size, improve urinary flow, and decrease the risk of acute urinary retention and the need for surgery. This oral tablet represents a first-line pharmacological intervention for managing moderate to severe BPH symptoms, supported by extensive clinical research and long-term safety data. Its targeted mechanism offers a non-surgical approach to alleviating obstructive and irritative urinary symptoms associated with prostate enlargement.

Features

• Contains 5mg of finasteride as the active pharmaceutical ingredient
• Available as film-coated tablets for oral administration
• Manufactured under strict pharmaceutical quality standards
• Typically supplied in 30-count bottles with child-resistant packaging
• Requires prescription and regular medical supervision
• Stable at room temperature with a defined shelf life

Benefits

• Significantly reduces prostate volume by inhibiting conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
• Improves urinary flow rate and reduces symptoms of urinary obstruction
• Decreases the risk of acute urinary retention and BPH-related surgery
• Provides long-term management of BPH symptoms with once-daily dosing
• Well-established safety profile with decades of clinical use
• Non-surgical alternative to invasive prostate procedures

Common use

Proscar is primarily indicated for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia in men with an enlarged prostate. It is prescribed for patients experiencing moderate to severe urinary symptoms including weak stream, hesitancy, urgency, frequency, nocturia, and incomplete bladder emptying. The medication is typically used as long-term therapy rather than for immediate symptom relief, with maximum benefits often achieved after 6-12 months of continuous treatment. It may be used as monotherapy or in combination with alpha-blockers for enhanced symptomatic relief.

Dosage and direction

The recommended dosage is one 5mg tablet taken orally once daily, with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed or broken. Patients should be advised to take the medication at approximately the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels. Treatment response should be evaluated periodically, with at least 6 months of therapy generally required to assess whether a beneficial response has been achieved. Dosage adjustment is not typically necessary for elderly patients or those with renal impairment.

Precautions

Patients should be informed that Proscar is not indicated for use in women or children. Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not handle crushed or broken tablets due to risk of absorption through the skin and potential risk to a male fetus. Regular digital rectal examinations and other evaluations for prostate cancer should continue as Proscar does not prevent prostate cancer and may suppress PSA values, requiring interpretation adjustment. Patients should report any breast changes such as lumps, pain, or nipple discharge promptly to their physician.

Contraindications

Proscar is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to finasteride or any component of the formulation. It is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant due to potential risk of abnormalities in the external genitalia of a male fetus. Pediatric use is contraindicated. Patients with known liver disease or severe renal impairment should use with caution and under close medical supervision.

Possible side effects

The most common adverse reactions include decreased libido (3.4%), erectile dysfunction (3.7%), and ejaculation disorders (2.8%). Less frequently reported effects include breast tenderness and enlargement (0.5%), rash, and hypersensitivity reactions including lip swelling. Most sexual side effects are reversible upon discontinuation of therapy. Post-marketing reports have included depression, male breast cancer, and testicular pain, though causal relationships have not been established.

Drug interaction

No clinically significant drug interactions have been identified with Proscar. However, caution is advised when administering with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors. No interactions have been observed with alpha-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents, antimicrobials, or cardiac medications. Finasteride does not affect the cytochrome P450-linked drug metabolizing enzyme system.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, patients should take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Consistent daily dosing is important for optimal therapeutic effect.

Overdose

In clinical trials, doses of up to 400mg daily have been administered without significant adverse effects. Single doses of up to 80mg have been given without observed toxicity. In case of suspected overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment should be instituted. Since finasteride is highly protein-bound, dialysis is not likely to be of benefit.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 15-30°C (59-86°F). Keep container tightly closed and protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging. Properly discard any unused medication after treatment completion.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Proscar is a prescription medication that should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Patients should consult their physician for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Individual results may vary, and not all patients will experience the same benefits or side effects.

Reviews

Clinical studies involving over 4,000 patients demonstrated that Proscar 5mg daily for 12 months reduced prostate volume by approximately 20%, improved urinary flow rate by 1.6-2.3 mL/sec, and decreased symptom scores by approximately 3.3 points on the AUA scale. The PLESS study showed a 57% risk reduction for acute urinary retention and a 55% risk reduction for BPH-related surgery over 4 years of treatment. Long-term extension studies confirm maintained efficacy and safety profile for up to 6 years of continuous therapy.