Finasteride , dutasteride
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| Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference | |
| Trade names | Proscar, Propecia, Avodart |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Benign prostatic hyperplasia agent, hair-loss treatment |
| Pharmacologic class | 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors |
| Onset / peak / duration | Prostate effect over 3 to 6 months; once daily. |
| Half-life / level | Dutasteride very long half-life; no routine level. |
| Routes | PO (oral) |
| High-alert (ISMP) | No |
| Black box warning | None |
| Antidote / reversal | None. |
| Pregnancy / lactation | Pregnant women must not handle crushed or broken tablets (absorption causes fetal genital abnormalities). |
Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.
Finasteride , dutasteride (brand names Proscar, Propecia, Avodart) — Benign prostatic hyperplasia agent, hair-loss treatment; 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors.
Identification
- Therapeutic class: Benign prostatic hyperplasia agent, hair-loss treatment.
- Pharmacologic class: 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors.
Pharmacology
- Mechanism of action: Block conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, shrinking the prostate over time.
- Onset / peak / duration: Prostate effect over 3 to 6 months; once daily.
- Half-life / therapeutic level: Dutasteride very long half-life; no routine level.
Clinical use
- Indications: Benign prostatic hyperplasia, male pattern hair loss (finasteride low dose).
- Usual dose, route, frequency: PO once daily.
- Maximum dose / adjustments: Long-term therapy.
Safety
- Contraindications: Pregnancy (teratogenic), women of childbearing potential, children.
- Black box warning: None.
- Interactions: Few; lowers prostate-specific antigen by about half (interpret PSA accordingly).
- Pregnancy / lactation: Pregnant women must not handle crushed or broken tablets (absorption causes fetal genital abnormalities).
- High-alert: No.
Adverse effects
- Common side effects: Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased ejaculate, gynecomastia.
- Serious effects to report: Depression, breast changes or lumps, persistent sexual dysfunction.
- Antidote / reversal: None.
Nursing process
- Assessment before administration: Urinary symptoms, baseline PSA, pregnancy exposure risk in the household.
- Interventions during therapy: Note that PSA is reduced; counsel on handling precautions.
- Monitor: Urinary symptoms, PSA trends, mood.
- Evaluation / expected outcome: Improved urinary symptoms over months.
Patient teaching
- Patient teaching: Takes months to work; pregnant partners must not handle broken tablets; report breast changes or mood changes; use a condom (drug present in semen).
- Notify provider if: Breast lumps or tenderness, depression, persistent sexual problems.
- Administration tips: Swallow whole; handling precautions around pregnancy.