Finasteride’s Role in Reducing the Size of Prostate Enlargement Can Prevent Acute Retention

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous condition in which the prostate gland grows too large. BPH and prostatic smooth-muscle contractions are responsible for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men . LUTS include frequent voiding at night (nocturia), incomplete emptying, hesitancy, weak stream, and frequent and urgent urination. Finasteride is a drug frequently given to treat prostate enlargement as it works by reducing the size of the gland. Dihydrotestosterone is a hormone that increases the size of the prostate gland. Finasteride belongs to a class of drugs called 5 alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARI). Though incompletely understood, 5ARI reduce the size of prostate partly by blocking the body’s ability to make dihydrotestosterone.

A recent study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of finasteride and the results were published in The Cochrane Library. Long-term use of finasteride improves urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, and reduces disease progression. The benefits include reduced risk for acute urinary retention and the need for surgical intervention.

The efficacy of finasteride was found to be higher when used in combination with doxazosin, an alpha blocker. Men with large prostates who use the drugs for at least 1 year reap more benefits from finasteride compared to those with small prostates.

Drug-related adverse effects are uncommon and include slightly increased risk for impotence, erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and ejaculation disorder.

The new findings about finasteride are significant since the worldwide incidence of BPH is on the rise. Prostate enlargement is common in old age and causes urinary difficulty. The current evidence is of immense public health importance.

Source-Medindia