Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Menu

Finasteride (for benign prostatic hyperplasia)

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
5 Alpha Reductase Inhibitor Proscar

Finasteride (for benign prostatic hyperplasia) - What is it for

​It is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland, caused by overproduction of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone. It lowers dihydrotestosterone, and thus shrinks the prostate and relieves the symptoms. Therefore, this medication is for use in men only. It may take up to 6 months or more for you to notice an effect. 

As the prostate enlarges, it can lead to urinary problems such as difficulty in passing urine and frequent visits to the toilet. It can also cause the flow of urine to be slower and weaker. If left untreated, there is a risk that the urine flow may be completely blocked (acute urinary retention) and this requires immediate medical treatment.

This medication may also be used for other conditions. Check with your healthcare professional
if you are unsure why you are given this medication.

Finasteride (for benign prostatic hyperplasia) - Additional Information

  • Updated on 9/30/2019 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

Find Your Medicines