Finasteride is indicated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia) in men only.

Finasteride is a competitive inhibitor of steroid Type II 5α reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts the androgen testosterone into 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Finasteride is a competitive and specific inhibitor of Type II 5α reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts the androgen testosterone into DHT. Finasteride has no affinity for the androgen receptor and has no androgenic or antiandrogenic effects. Inhibition of Type II 5α reductase blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, resulting in significant decreases in serum and tissue DHT concentrations. In men with male pattern hair loss, the balding scalp contains miniaturized hair follicles and increased amounts of DHT compared with hairy scalp. Administration of Finasteride decreases scalp and serum DHT concentrations in these men.

The recommended dosage is 1 mg once a day. Finasteride may be administered with or without meals. In general, daily use for three months or more is necessary before benefit is observed. Continued use is recommended to sustain benefit. Withdrawal of treatment leads to reversal of effect within 12 months.

No drug interactions of clinical importance have been identified.

Hypersensitivity to any component of this medication. Finasteride use is also contraindicated in women and pediatric patients.

inasteride is well tolerated. In clinical studies, the following adverse reactions were reported as possibly drug-related in >1% of patients treated for 12 months with Finasteride 1 mg daily: decreased libido (1.8%), erectile dysfunction (1.3%), ejaculation disorder (1.2%), and decreased volume of ejaculate (0.8%).

 No data found.

Caution should be used in the administration of Finasteride in patients with liver function abnormalities, as Finasteride is metabolized extensively in the liver. Women who are or may potentially be pregnant should not handle crushed or broken tablets of Finasteride.

Miscellaneous topical agents

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.