May increase clearance of theophylline. Half-life of aminophylline may be reduced

Gynaecomastia, decreased libido, impotence, reduction in the volume of ejaculate, general abnormalities in the male fetus of pregnant women exposed to Finasteride.

Hypersensitivity reactions such as swelling of lips & rashes.

Hypersensitivity,pregnancy & lactation,children.

Special Precautions

Exposure of pregnant women to Finasteride,either via direct contact with crushed tablets or through semen of male sexual partners who are in the drug,should be avoided.

Undiagnosied prostrate cancer(the drug may mask the serum makers),liver diseases.

Approved by FDA on June 19,1992.

Indication-

Benign prostatic hyperplasia to reduce incidence of urinary retention and need for surgery

Dosage-

The recommended dosage is 5mg once a day,with or without meals, for a minimum period of 6 months

                                 EVIDENCE BASED MEDICINE

                  Management of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)

                   Comparative effectiveness of various interventions

Beneficial

1. Aplha blockers (parzosin, alfuzosin, indoramin, terazosin, doxazosin,tamsulosin)
2. 5-alpha -reductase inhibitors (e.g. finastreride)
3. Transureythral resection (TURP)
4. Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT)
5. Trnasurethral needle ablation (TUNA)

Unknown effectiveness

1. TURP versus less invasive techniques

                                    KEY POINTS

1. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have found that both alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase-inhibitors are   more effective than placebo in improving lower urinary tract symptoms in men with BPH.

2. One trial found that alpha-blockers (e.g.prazosin ) were more effective than 5-alpha- reductase inhibitors  (finasteride) in men not selected for having large prostrates.

3. Neither drug has been compared directly with surgical treatment

4. There is limited evidence from one trial that TURP is more effective than watchful waiting in improving symptoms   and reducing complications, and does not increase the risk of ercetile dysfunction or incontinuence.  

5. TURP has not yet been adequately compared with medical treatments or with newer less invasive techniques.
6. TUMT is more effective than sham treatment at reducing symptoms. There is no difference beween TURP and  TUMT with regard to short term relief

7. One trial found that TURP was more effective than TUNA in men with BPH.

1.Crushed Finasteride should not be handled by woman who is pregnant or who may become     pregnant because of potential for absorption of Finasteride and the subsequent potential risk   to the male fetus.

Similarly,when the male patients sexual partner is or may become pregnant,     the patient should either avoid exposure  of his partner to semen or he should discontinue     Finasteride.

2.  Inform patient that the volume of ejaculate may be decreased in some patients during
     treatment..This decrease does not appear to interfere with normal sexual function. However,   impotence and decreased libido may occur.

3. Allergies- Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to ffinasteride.
    Also tell your doctor  if your are allergic to any other substances such as foods,
    preservatives or dyes.

4. Pregnancy-  discuss with your doctor the need to stop taking finasteride if your partner wishes   to become   pregnant.
  
      
5. Elderly- this medicine has not shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people  than it does in  younger adults 

6. Other medicines- tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines-
   
      Amantadine or   Amphetamines or  Anticholinergic or    Antidepressants or     Antidyskinetcis or    Antihistamines or       Antipsychotics or     Appetite stimulants or these medicines could reduce    the effects of finasteride     
      
11.  Other medical problems- presence of other medical problems may affect the use of the medicine   Liver disease- effects of finasteride may be increased because of slower removal from the body.    
         
12. Missed dose-
    If you miss a dose of this medicine take it as soon as possible. However if it is almost time for   your next dose  go back to your regular dosing schedule.
    Do not double doses.

Pregnancy: Finasteride is not indicated for use in women. Exposure of pregnant women to Finasteride,either via direct contact with crushed tablets or through semen of male sexual partners who are in the drug,should be avoided. Lactation: Not indicated for use in women. Children: Safety and efficacy for use in children have not been established.