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Proscar
Pronounced: PRAHS-car
Generic name: Finasteride
Proscar is prescribed to help shrink an enlarged prostate.
The prostate, a chestnut-shaped gland present in males, produces a liquid that forms part of the semen. This gland completely encloses the upper part of the urethra, the tube through which urine flows out of the bladder. Many men over age 50 suffer from a benign (noncancerous) enlargement of the prostate. The enlarged gland squeezes the urethra, obstructing the normal flow of urine. Resulting problems may include difficulty in starting urination, weak flow of urine, and the need to urinate urgently or frequently. Sometimes surgical removal of the prostate is necessary.
By shrinking the enlarged prostate, Proscar may alleviate the various associated urinary problems, making surgery unnecessary.
Some doctors are also prescribing Proscar for baldness and as a preventive measure against prostate cancer.
*Women of childbearing potential should not use or handle crushed finasteride tablets. Finasteride can cause birth defects in male fetuses. Finasteride is also excreted in male sperm to a small extent. It may be advisable for males planning to have children to go through a drug wash-out period.
ADULTS
The recommended dosage, for men only, is one 5-milligram tablet per day. |
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