Prostacin
Generic Name
Finasteride
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| prostacin 04 mg capsule | ৳ 10.00 | ৳ 100.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Prostacin contains Finasteride, which is a synthetic 4-azasteroid compound. It is a specific inhibitor of steroid 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and to reduce the risk of acute urinary retention and the need for surgery.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
5 mg orally once daily.
Elderly
No dosage adjustment is required for elderly patients.
Renal_impairment
No dosage adjustment is required for patients with renal impairment.
How to Take
Prostacin tablets can be taken orally with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew.
Mechanism of Action
Finasteride inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (Type II), which is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgen. By reducing DHT levels, it leads to a regression of prostatic hyperplasia, improving urinary flow and symptoms of BPH.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Clinical effects for BPH may take 6 months or more to become evident.
Excretion
Approximately 57% is excreted in feces and 39% in urine as metabolites.
Half life
Approximately 5-6 hours in young men, about 8 hours in elderly men.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; bioavailability is approximately 65-80%.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver via the cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme system to two main inactive metabolites.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to finasteride or any component of the product.
- Women who are or may potentially be pregnant (due to potential risk to a male fetus).
- Use in pediatric patients.
Drug Interactions
0
No clinically significant drug interactions have been identified with finasteride.
1
Although not clinically significant, Finasteride is metabolized by CYP3A4, so caution with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) may be considered.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
No specific treatment is recommended for finasteride overdose. Symptomatic and supportive measures should be employed.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Prostacin is contraindicated in women who are or may potentially be pregnant. Finasteride can cause abnormalities of the external genitalia of a male fetus. It is not indicated for use in women. It is not known if finasteride is excreted in human milk.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to finasteride or any component of the product.
- Women who are or may potentially be pregnant (due to potential risk to a male fetus).
- Use in pediatric patients.
Drug Interactions
0
No clinically significant drug interactions have been identified with finasteride.
1
Although not clinically significant, Finasteride is metabolized by CYP3A4, so caution with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) may be considered.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
No specific treatment is recommended for finasteride overdose. Symptomatic and supportive measures should be employed.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Prostacin is contraindicated in women who are or may potentially be pregnant. Finasteride can cause abnormalities of the external genitalia of a male fetus. It is not indicated for use in women. It is not known if finasteride is excreted in human milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from the date of manufacture, as indicated on the packaging.
Availability
Pharmacies nationwide in Bangladesh
Approval Status
Approved by FDA/DGDA
Patent Status
Generic available
Clinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of Finasteride in the treatment of BPH, showing significant reductions in prostate volume and improvements in urinary flow rates and symptom scores compared to placebo.
Lab Monitoring
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels should be monitored. Finasteride lowers PSA levels by approximately 50% after 6-12 months of treatment; this reduction should be factored into PSA interpretations.
- Digital rectal examination (DRE) may be performed regularly.
Doctor Notes
- Counsel patients on potential sexual side effects, which may be persistent in some individuals.
- Explain the impact on PSA levels and the need to adjust PSA interpretations for prostate cancer screening.
- Advise women of childbearing potential not to handle crushed or broken tablets due to teratogenic risks.
Patient Guidelines
- Take Prostacin regularly as prescribed by your doctor to achieve the full benefit.
- It may take several months to see an improvement in BPH symptoms.
- Pregnant women should not handle crushed or broken Prostacin tablets due to the risk to a male fetus.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Prostacin is not known to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, which can irritate the bladder.
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Global Brand Names
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