Finasteride , dutasteride

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.