Description

Finasteride is a specific and potent inhibitor of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase type II. By blocking this enzyme, Finasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone into its more potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), primarily in tissues like the scalp and prostate. Its primary applications are the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action for Finasteride is precise enzymatic inhibition. It competitively binds to 5-alpha reductase type II, the predominant form of the enzyme in hair follicles and the prostate. This binding dramatically reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT in these tissues. Since DHT is the primary androgen responsible for miniaturizing hair follicles in genetically predisposed individuals and stimulating prostate growth, reducing its local concentration with Finasteride can halt hair loss and, in many cases, promote hair regrowth, while also reducing prostate volume in BPH.

Clinical Application and Dosage

The clinical application of Finasteride is dual-purpose. At a 1 mg daily dose, it is indicated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. At a 5 mg daily dose, it is used for the management of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The 2.5 mg tablet strength of this Finasteride formulation offers a versatile middle-ground dosage, often used off-label for hair loss or split from a 5 mg tablet for cost efficiency.

For androgenetic alopecia, the standard dose is 1 mg orally once daily. The 2.5 mg Finasteride tablet can be split to approximate this dose. For BPH, the standard dose is 5 mg daily. Treatment for hair loss requires continuous, long-term use to maintain benefits; cessation leads to a reversal of effects within 12 months.

Treatment Protocol and Monitoring

Treatment with Finasteride for hair loss is a long-term, often lifelong, commitment to maintain results. Effects are not immediate; it typically takes 3-6 months to notice reduced hair shedding and 6-12 months or more to see visible regrowth. Monitoring is primarily clinical, assessing hair count and patient satisfaction. For BPH, monitoring involves assessing urinary symptom scores and, in some cases, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which Finasteride reduces by approximately 50%.

Pharmacological Profile

Finasteride is administered orally and is well absorbed. It has a bioavailability of about 63-80%. It is extensively metabolized in the liver and has a half-life of approximately 5-6 hours in men aged 18-60. However, its clinical effect on DHT suppression is long-lasting due to its tight binding to the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, allowing for once-daily dosing. A single dose reduces serum DHT by about 65-70%, with maximum effect achieved after 8 hours.

Common Side Effects

Finasteride is generally well-tolerated, but it is associated with a well-documented profile of sexual and psychological side effects, which can persist in some individuals even after discontinuation (a condition known as Post-Finasteride Syndrome). The most common include:

• Sexual Dysfunction: Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and reduced ejaculate volume.
• Gynecomastia: Breast enlargement or tenderness due to an altered testosterone-to-estrogen ratio.
• Depression and Mood Changes: Reported by a subset of users.
• Cognitive Effects: Some users report “brain fog” or reduced cognitive sharpness.
• Potential Birth Defects: Finasteride is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant due to the risk of causing abnormalities in the genital development of a male fetus.

The decision to use Finasteride requires a careful risk-benefit analysis due to the potential for persistent side effects. It is contraindicated in women of childbearing potential and in individuals with hypersensitivity to the drug.

You can buy Finasteride made by Apoxar in bulk in Canada via our website. Navigate to the “Purchase” tab and fill the contact form with details of your wholesale order. Please note: we do not sell single packs or ship directly to consumers, Apoxar is a wholesale fitness medication manufacturer and we work exclusively with our approved distributors.