PEBC: What You Need to Know: 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors

PEBC What You Need to Know
Written By Alan Wong

Examples:

Finasteride, Dutasteride

Indication:

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH), Male Alopecia

Mechanism of Action:

Inhibits 5-Alpha reductase enzyme, thereby reducing conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT potent agent)

DHT is responsible for increased prostate size and hair loss.

*Takes months for full effect*

Dosing:

Finasteride: 1 mg once daily (alopecia) or 5 mg once daily (BPH)

Dutasteride: 0.5 mg once daily

Adverse Effects:

-Breast tenderness

-Hair growth

-Sexual dysfunction (loss of libido, erectile dysfunction)

-Pregnant women should not touch tablets

Alan Wong
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