Finasteride (Androgenic Alopecia)
Indications
Finasteride is indicated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia) in men only.
Pharmacology
Finasteride, 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 miniaturised hair follicles and increased amounts of DHT compared with hairy scalp. Administration of Finasteride decreases scalp and serum DHT concentrations in these men.
Dosage And Administration
The recommended dosage is 1 mg once a day. Recur 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.
Interaction
No drug interactions of clinical importance have been identified.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to any component of this medication. Finasteride use is also contraindicated in women and paediatric patient.
Side Effects
Finasteride 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%).
Precautions And Warnings
Caution should be used in the administration of Recur in patients with liver function abnormalities, as Finasteride is metabolised extensively in the liver. Women who are or may potentially be pregnant should not handle crushed or broken tablets of Recur.
Therapeutic Class
Miscellaneous topical agents
