Finast represents a significant advancement in the pharmacological management of androgen-dependent pathologies, offering targeted enzyme inhibition with a well-established efficacy and safety profile. As a selective Type II 5α-reductase inhibitor, it directly addresses the hormonal pathway responsible for conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and androgenetic alopecia. Its mechanism of action—converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) inhibition—reduces prostate volume and halts follicular miniaturization, providing a foundation for both symptomatic relief and long-term disease modification. Prescribed under medical supervision, Finast is a cornerstone therapy in urological and dermatological practice, supported by extensive clinical data and decades of real-world application.

Features

• Contains Finasteride as the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API)
• Available in 1 mg and 5 mg film-coated tablets
• Selective inhibitor of Type II 5α-reductase isoenzyme
• Reduces serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels by approximately 70%
• Bioavailability of approximately 63%, unaffected by food
• Maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) reached within 1–2 hours post-administration
• Mean terminal half-life of approximately 6–8 hours
• Excreted predominantly via metabolic clearance through the CYP3A4 enzyme system

Benefits

• Reduces prostate volume in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, alleviating lower urinary tract symptoms
• Prevents further progression of male pattern hair loss by inhibiting the hormonal stimulus for follicular miniaturization
• Decreases the risk of acute urinary retention and the need for surgical intervention related to BPH
• Improves urinary flow rates and reduces nocturia, enhancing quality of life
• Supports long-term management of androgen-related conditions with once-daily dosing
• Backed by robust clinical trial data demonstrating efficacy and tolerability over extended periods

Common use

Finast is primarily indicated for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia in adult men to improve urinary flow and reduce the risk of acute urinary retention and BPH-related surgery. It is also prescribed for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men, promoting hair retention and, in some patients, hair regrowth. Use in female patients is not indicated due to teratogenic risks and lack of proven efficacy for hair loss in women. It is not approved for use in pediatric populations.

Dosage and direction

For the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, the recommended dosage is one 5 mg tablet orally once daily, with or without food. For male pattern hair loss, the recommended dosage is one 1 mg tablet orally once daily. Consistency in daily administration is important to maintain stable DHT suppression. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed or divided. Treatment response for BPH may be evaluated after 6–12 months; hair growth effects may take at least 3 months to become noticeable and require continued use to sustain benefits.

Precautions

Prior to initiation, a digital rectal examination (DRE) and appropriate diagnostic tests should be performed to rule out prostate cancer, as Finasteride reduces PSA levels. Patients should be advised that Finasteride may increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer. Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment, as the drug is metabolized extensively in the liver. Women who are or may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken tablets due to the risk of absorption and potential teratogenicity. Patients should be monitored for mood changes, including depression.

Contraindications

Finast is contraindicated in the following populations: women who are pregnant or may become pregnant due to the risk of abnormalities in the external genitalia of a male fetus; pediatric patients; patients with hypersensitivity to Finasteride or any component of the formulation; and patients with previously demonstrated idiopathic severe allergic reactions to 5α-reductase inhibitors.

Possible side effect

Common adverse reactions may include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorders, and breast tenderness or enlargement. Less frequently, patients may experience skin rash, testicular pain, or hypersensitivity reactions. Some individuals report mood alterations such as depression or anxiety. In clinical trials, most sexual side effects were reversible upon discontinuation, though a subset of patients reported persistent symptoms.

Drug interaction

No clinically significant drug interactions have been definitively established. However, caution is advised when co-administering with potent inhibitors of the CYP3A4 enzyme system (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir, erythromycin), which may increase Finasteride plasma concentrations. No interactions are expected with alpha-blockers often used concomitantly in BPH management.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered on the same day. If the missed dose is not remembered until the next day, the patient should resume the usual dosing schedule and not take a double dose. Maintaining consistent daily dosing is important for sustained enzyme inhibition.

Overdose

No specific antidote for Finasteride overdose is known. Single doses up to 400 mg and chronic dosing up to 80 mg/day have been studied without severe adverse outcomes. In case of suspected overdose, symptomatic and supportive measures should be instituted. Hemodialysis is not likely to be effective due to high protein binding.

Storage

Store at room temperature (15–30°C or 59–86°F) in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep in the original container with the lid tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for educational and professional reference purposes only and does not replace clinical judgment or direct medical advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Finast is a prescription medication and should only be used under the supervision of a licensed physician. Individual patient responses and risks may vary.

Reviews

Clinical studies and post-marketing surveillance consistently affirm the efficacy of Finasteride in reducing prostate size and improving urinary symptoms in BPH, with IPSS score improvements noted in over 60% of patients. In androgenetic alopecia, visible improvement or stabilization has been demonstrated in approximately 80% of men treated over two years. Patient satisfaction is generally high among those who respond to therapy, though adherence may be affected by sexual side effects in a minority of users. Long-term data support its safety profile for chronic use.