Proscar - Active Ingredient And Chemical structure
The active ingredient contained in Proscar is Finasteride. The structure is shown below
Generic Forms and Brand names of Finasteride (Proscar)
Finasteride was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1992 under the brand name Proscar, a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Finasteride is available under various Drug trade names that include Propecia and Proscar, the former marketed for male pattern baldness (MPB) and the latter for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), both are products of Merck & Co. Various generic forms of Finasteride are also available.
Proscar Preparations
Proscar is available as tablets of 5 mg of finasteride.
Proscar - Storage Requirements
Proscar tablets are to be stored at room temperature (15°C to 30°C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light.
Proscar - Uses
Finasteride in the form of Proscar tablets is used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (also known as enlarged prostate) .
Proscar Dosage
The recommended dosage of Proscar (Finasteride) is one tablet of 5 mg once a day.
It may take six months or more to see the full effects of finasteride. If the drug is discontinued, any therapeutic benefits will be reversed. Finasteride may improve the symptoms associated with BPH such as difficulty urinating, getting up during the night to urinate, hesitation at the start of urination, and decreased urinary flow.
Side Effects Of Proscar
Side effects of Proscar (finasteride) include impotence (1.1% to 18.5%), abnormal ejaculation (7.2%), decreased ejaculatory volume (0.9% to 2.8%), abnormal sexual function (2.5%), gynecomastia (2.2%), erectile dysfunction (1.3%), ejaculation disorder (1.2%) and testicular pain. Resolution occurred in men who discontinued therapy with finasteride due to these side effects and in most men who continued therapy.
