Description
Prosteride (Finasteride) 5 mg
Prosteride 5 mg is a finasteride 5 mg oral tablet. Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor used in men for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in which an enlarged prostate can contribute to urinary symptoms and urinary flow obstruction. This strength is associated with prostate treatment rather than hair-loss treatment.
Active Ingredient and Medicine Class
The verified active ingredient is finasteride. It belongs to the class of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. These medicines reduce the activity of the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the androgen that helps drive prostate enlargement.
Established Medical Uses
Finasteride 5 mg is established for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia in men with an enlarged prostate. Regulatory information describes its use to improve urinary symptoms and flow, and to reduce the risk of acute urinary retention and the need for prostate surgery. It may also be used together with an alpha-blocker in some settings for BPH management.
This medicine is not approved for prostate cancer prevention. The 5 mg tablet strength is not the standard product strength used for male pattern hair loss.
How It Works
Finasteride inhibits type II 5-alpha-reductase, lowering DHT levels in the prostate and in blood. Over time, this can reduce prostate size and lessen the mechanical obstruction that contributes to BPH symptoms. A fall in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is also expected during treatment, which is important when interpreting laboratory results.
Important Safety Information
Finasteride is contraindicated in women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, and it is not indicated for children. Exposure during pregnancy may affect development of a male fetus. The tablet also should not be used by people with hypersensitivity to finasteride or any component of the product.
Clinically important cautions include the need to consider prostate cancer when evaluating urinary symptoms or PSA results, because finasteride lowers PSA levels. Product information advises clinical evaluation before and during treatment when appropriate. Reported interactions of major clinical importance are limited, but finasteride is metabolised through CYP3A4, so strong inhibitors or inducers may alter exposure. Product information also notes no meaningful interactions with several tested medicines, including propranolol, digoxin, glibenclamide, warfarin, theophylline and phenazone.
Authorities have also highlighted mood-related adverse effects, including depressed mood, depression and suicidal ideation. Breast tissue changes have been reported in men, and patients are advised to seek medical attention if breast lumps, pain or nipple discharge occur.
Possible Side Effects
Commonly reported adverse effects include sexual dysfunction such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, reduced volume of ejaculate and impotence. Other reported effects include breast enlargement, breast tenderness and rash. Less common but clinically important reactions include mood changes, depression, suicidal ideation and breast changes in men. As with any medicine, not every patient will experience these effects.
Scientific Evidence
Clinical trials and systematic reviews support finasteride’s ability to reduce prostate volume, lower PSA, improve urinary flow and modestly improve lower urinary tract symptoms in men with BPH. Evidence also shows that it can reduce the risk of acute urinary retention and BPH-related surgery in appropriate patients, especially those with enlarged prostates. The clinical benefit is gradual rather than immediate, reflecting its mechanism of shrinking androgen-driven prostate tissue.
Medical Information Notice
This page is an educational summary based on authoritative sources available at the time of review. It does not replace the official patient leaflet, the full prescribing information, or assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Medical Sources
- European Medicines Agency — Finasteride- and dutasteride-containing medicinal products referral
- Organon Pharma (UK) / emc — Proscar 5 mg film-coated Tablets: Summary of Product Characteristics
- DailyMed / U.S. prescribing information — Finasteride tablet, film coated: prescribing information
- The Finasteride Study Group Finasteride (MK-906) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prostate, 1993. View scientific article
- D H Peters and E M Sorkin Finasteride. A review of its potential in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Drugs, 1993. View scientific article
