Propecia

Propecia is a drug for the treatment of male pattern baldness. The drug suppresses the excessive production of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone. It gradually accumulates in the hair follicles under normal conditions. As a result, hair follicles are subjected to severe pressure. It is the main cause follicles are damaged and die. Propecia helps in 95% of cases of male pattern baldness.

Indications for use

The use of this pharmacological agent is recommended to patients who do not suffer from an individual intolerance to the active drug components. Propecia is indicated for men of reproductive age who have the following functional disorders:

• prostatic hyperplasia;
• prostate adenoma, i.e. a benign tumor.

Propecia (Finasteride) is used to reduce the size of the inflamed prostate, normalize urination and eliminate pain. This medication helps to gradually neutralize unwanted symptoms and reduce the likelihood of acute urinary retention.

Thus, the timely use of a hormonal drug ensures the normalization of the function of the endocrine glands. It is conducted without the need for catheterization or surgical intervention. It is done through transurethral resection of the prostate gland or complete removal of the prostate.

Pharmachologic effect

Propecia has the ability to inhibit 5-alpha reductase. It converts the male sex hormone into more active 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone. As a result of taking these tablets, an increase in the plasma concentration of testosterone and an increase in the content of hormonal substances in the prostate gland tissues are noted. The described changes are most clearly observed on the first day after applying the medication.

A pharmacological substance for oral administration stabilizes the condition of patients with benign tumors. The drug reduces the stimulating testosterone effect, which provokes the active growth of unwanted neoplasms.

In addition, finasteride is involved in the processes of suppressing the formation of dihydrotestosterone, which causes a decrease in urine flow and the development of urinary obstruction symptoms.

Mode of application

The recommended daily dose of Propecia is 5 mg. A patient suffering from increased hair loss or growth of a benign tumor in the prostate should not apply more than one tablet per day.

Finasteride is prescribed as part of the treatment course. The patient should undergo a 3-month course of drug therapy to manifest a noticeable pharmacological effect. This will normalize the size of the prostate gland. The patient takes the drug for 4 months to increase the maximum speed of urine flow.

A therapeutic course lasting 7 months is recommended for individuals if it is necessary to treat urinary obstruction. Patients should remember that unwanted changes in the prostate gland are restored about 6-8 months.

Contraindications

Propecia is contraindicated in the following cases:

• hypersensitivity to any of the drug ingredients;
• malignant prostate tumors;
• obstructive uropathy.

Finasteride is not prescribed for the treatment of minor children and women. If a woman uses a drug with increased teratogenic properties during pregnancy, the risk of impaired development of the genital organs is significantly increased.

Side effects

In rare cases, when taking Propecia, the following side effects may occur:

• skin rash;
• itching;
• swelling;
• abdominal pain;
• nausea and vomiting;
• headaches;
• allergic rhinitis.

If such reactions occur, it is necessary to discontinue taking the tablets, consult a specialist to eliminate the symptoms and prescribe a new drug.

Benefits

Propecia has the following advantages:

• low cost;
• the guaranteed effect, active growth of new hair and the prevention of new foci of baldness;
• the drug can be taken by young and old men;
• Propecia goes well with other medications;
• minimum number of contraindications and rare side effects;
• the tablets are combined with a small amount of alcohol and fatty foods;
• Propecia does not cause drug dependence.