Propecia Pharmacology

Being an approved and appreciated male pattern hair loss treatment, Propecia interferes with testosterone conversion into dihydrotestosterone, preventing the process. The active component of the drug is Finasteride, which is responsible for the achievement of positive effects.

According to the medical information, Finasteride is a potential 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, which has been originally used for improvement of disorders related to the urinary tract obstruction and other signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Generally, 5 alpha-reductase is inevitable for testosterone conversion into dihydrotestosterone. The latter is classified as a steroid, which stimulates the growth of the prostate transitional zone. The results of research show that Propecia decreases the size of prostate gland up to 20%, though it does not improve the devastating symptoms of prostate enlargement.

Finasteride is available in the oral form and is well-absorbed. Generally, the drug is approved as a safe treatment; still certain adverse reactions can be noticed after a long-term medication use. The active component of the drug undergoes hepatic metabolism to inactive metabolism that are decreased through the urine and the bile. The half-life of the remedy varies from 4.7 up to 7.1 hours. However, if several doses are used, the accumulation slows down.

The treatment is not likely to impair other body functions and important processes, so special dosage adjustment is not necessary for people with renal dysfunction or similar health abnormalities. Therapeutic Finasteride doses trigger fast and lasting effects decreasing prostate tissue and plasma levels of dihydrotestosterone. A single Propecia dose can suppress serum dihydrotestosterone levels for more than 4 days. The maximal body response to Finasteride occurs when a patient uses 5 mg a day. For an overwhelming majority of males, Propecia impacts may persist for over 5 years. The moment Finasteride intake is discontinued, the DHT rate can advance again. Despite the treatment is well-tolerated, decreased libido, eliminated sexual desire, symptoms of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation are the most common adverse reactions.

Key Information about Propecia

As a powerful male pattern baldness treatment, Finasteride interferes with several vital body processes. Having fast facts about the drug is important:

  • Half life – up to 7 hours;
  • Excretion – urine, feces;
  • Metabolism – liver;
  • Subclass – dermatological, cosmetic.