Finasterid Interpharm

Quick links to important sections

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Finasterid Interpharm

Property Description
Active Ingredient Finasteride
Form Film-coated tablet
Pharmacological Class 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor
General Purpose Modulates Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels
Origin Synthetic 4-azasteroid compound

Finasterid Interpharm is a prescription-only, generic medicine containing the active ingredient Finasteride, which is classified pharmacologically as a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. This drug is supplied as an oral film-coated tablet for systemic administration, designed to modify specific hormonal processes within the body.

What Type of Medicine is Finasterid Interpharm?

Finasterid Interpharm is fundamentally a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, a classification that defines its core action as blocking a specific enzyme. The drug acts as a precise enzyme blocker, a mechanism that is clinically recognized and confirmed through pharmacological research. This grouping means the medicine operates by targeting the underlying hormonal cause of certain tissue changes, rather than merely treating symptoms. Its formulation, containing the INN Finasteride, is required to be bioequivalent to established brand-name versions, ensuring a consistent therapeutic profile for adult men.

Composition and Origin: Is Finasteride Natural or Synthetic?

The active substance, Finasteride, is a completely synthetic 4-azasteroid compound. Its synthetic origin ensures chemical purity and consistent formulation in the final tablet preparation. Finasteride is specifically noted for its high affinity as an inhibitor of the human Type II 5α-reductase isoenzyme. This selectivity means the drug is designed to precisely target the most critical enzymatic pathway involved in generating the potent hormone DHT, distinguishing its action from less defined natural compounds.

The General Purpose: Affecting the DHT Hormone

The core purpose of Finasteride is to modulate hormonal activity by significantly reducing the local concentrations of a key androgen hormone. It functions by acting as a highly specific, competitive inhibitor that blocks the 5α-reductase enzyme responsible for the conversion of Testosterone into the more potent androgen, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By restricting this conversion, the medication achieves a reduction in DHT concentration in relevant tissues. This antiandrogenic effect provides the rationale for its general use in managing common androgen-dependent conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

What side effects are possible with Finasterid Interpharm?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Finasterid Interpharm is structured by official regulatory documents, detailing potential adverse reactions and necessary usage constraints.


Official Adverse Reactions and Frequency Classification

Adverse reactions are classified according to incidence observed in clinical trials, primarily affecting the Reproductive System and Breast Disorders. The most frequently documented effects are classified as Common (occurring in ge 1/100 to < 1/10 treated patients):

  • Decreased libido (sexual desire)
  • Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
  • Ejaculation disorders (including decreased volume of ejaculate)

Less common reactions include breast tenderness and enlargement (gynecomastia), and rash. The official post-marketing data reports cases of testicular pain, male infertility, and hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., angioedema), for which the frequency is classified as Not Known.


Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Considerations

Regulatory safety information notes rare, but serious, concerns, primarily from post-marketing reports. These include cases of male breast cancer and reports of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Additionally, the official label highlights that some adverse reactions, such as erectile dysfunction and decreased libido, have been reported to persist after discontinuation of treatment.

Population-Specific Constraints and Monitoring

The medication is contraindicated in women who are or may be pregnant, and such women should not handle crushed or broken tablets. For prostate cancer screening, the medicine is known to decrease serum Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels, and this change must be accounted for when interpreting diagnostic results. Caution is advised for patients with existing liver function abnormalities.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

Finasteride's official overdose profile, as documented in government regulatory sources such as the FDA Prescribing Information and the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), is defined by a lack of documented acute toxicity in human studies.

Property Official Regulatory Statement
Documented Overdose Presentations No significant adverse effects were reported in patients receiving single oral doses up to 400 mg or multiple daily doses up to 80 mg/day for three months.
Physiological Systems Affected None documented. High doses were reported as well tolerated.
Antidote Information No specific treatment or antidote is recommended by regulatory authorities.

Official Overdose Statements:

  • Patients must seek immediate professional medical attention for any suspected overdose of this prescription medicine.
  • Overdose management must be symptomatic and supportive, consistent with the absence of a specific recommended treatment.
  • The official documentation highlights the absence of acute toxicity, noting that even very high doses were received without adverse effects.

Connection to the Overall Overdose Profile

Regulatory documents define the overdose profile primarily by the absence of acute, specific symptom clusters, which means the condition for seeking urgent medical help is based on the general requirement for any suspected prescription drug overdose. The lack of documented symptoms or a specific antidote mandates that any care provided be strictly supportive.

Therapeutic Uses of Finasterid Interpharm

Finasterid Interpharm is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, primarily for two different conditions in men.

Addressing Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

Finasterid Interpharm is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute or disruptive episodes of urinary discomfort associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It helps address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, such as difficulty or frequent urination. Applied in scenarios where additional management of discomfort is required, the medication contributes to easing the overall symptom load and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases.


Supporting Male Pattern Hair Loss Management

The medication is also applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed for androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). It is considered relevant for easing the physical discomfort and aesthetic concerns related to gradual hair thinning. This is helpful in situations where multiple symptoms occur together and contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms.

Quick Fact: Support for Symptoms that interfere with daily functioning.

Finasterid Interpharm may assist with managing symptoms associated with two main condition categories: BPH and male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Regulatory Eligibility and Contraindications

Finasterid Interpharm (Finasteride) is a medication with strict regulatory limitations on its use, confined almost exclusively to the adult male population.

Category Official Regulatory Status
Populations Allowed Adult Men [1.1, 1.4]
Populations Contraindicated Women [2.1, 1.3]
Women who are or may be pregnant [2.1, 1.3]
Pediatric Patients (Under 18 years of age) [1.2, 1.4]
Patients with known Hypersensitivity to Finasteride [2.1]
Age-Group Status Pediatric Use: Contraindicated; safety and efficacy are not established [1.2]. Older Adults: No dosage adjustment is necessary [1.2, 1.4].

Condition-Specific Eligibility

Regulatory documents highlight conditions that require consideration or caution. No dosage adjustment is necessary for men with renal impairment [2.4, 2.5]. However, due to its extensive metabolism in the liver, caution should be used in administering the medicine to patients with liver function abnormalities [1.1, 2.5].

Pregnancy and Handling Restrictions

Finasterid Interpharm is contraindicated in pregnancy [2.1]. Furthermore, women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not handle crushed or broken tablets because the active ingredient can be absorbed through the skin, presenting a potential risk to a male fetus [1.2, 2.1]. The medication is not indicated for use in women for any purpose, including during lactation [2.4].

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products — official regulatory information for Finasterid Interpharm

Category Official Regulatory Statement
Specific interacting medicines (if explicitly listed) None are listed as interacting. Compounds tested for exposure alteration included Antipyrine, Digoxin, Propranolol, Theophylline, and Warfarin, with no clinically meaningful changes found.
Medicinal product categories with documented interactions None documented. Regulatory documents conclude that no drug interactions of clinical importance have been identified with commonly co-administered prescription medicines.
Mechanistic basis of interactions (only if stated in label) Lack of effect on CYP System. Finasteride did not appear to affect the cytochrome P450-linked drug metabolizing enzyme system to a clinically significant degree.
Timing-based interaction rules None documented. The medicine may be administered with or without meals.
Interaction-related restrictions None. No medicinal products are listed as formally contraindicated for co-administration due to interaction risk.

Interaction classifications (high-level)

Category Official Regulatory Statement
Interaction severity classification No clinically significant interactions identified.
Regulatory basis Based on formal interaction studies conducted in man (FDA, EMA).

Resulting interaction structure

The regulatory profile of Finasterid Interpharm is primarily structured by the formal finding that the medicine presents a low potential for interaction with commonly co-administered therapeutic agents. This outcome, supported by tests on compounds metabolized by the CYP system, means the labeling does not include mandatory timing constraints or contraindicated combinations based on drug interaction risk. Consequently, the official documentation focuses on describing the absence of clinically meaningful interaction findings across standard drug categories.

Mechanism of Action

Finasterid Interpharm contains the active ingredient Finasteride, which modulates hormonal processes through specific enzyme inhibition. The drug acts as a highly selective, competitive inhibitor of the Type II 5-alpha-reductase ( 5alpha -R) enzyme. This enzyme is the primary catalyst for converting the androgen Testosterone into the more potent androgen, Dihydrotestosterone ( DHT).

DHT Synthesis Blockade: The Core Mechanism

The primary mechanistic focus is the peripheral conversion of androgens in tissues with abundant Type II enzyme expression, such as the prostate and dermal papilla. By forming a stable complex with the 5alpha -R enzyme, Finasteride blocks this metabolic step, leading to a marked reduction in local DHT concentrations. This core cascade modifies androgenic signaling that DHT provides to responsive cells.

Physiological Consequences and Time-Dependency

The resulting physiological effect of the mechanism is the sustained reduction in tissue-level DHT concentration. This results in a reduction of the stimulus for DHT-dependent cellular proliferation. The time required for DHT concentrations to achieve a steady state and for DHT-sensitive tissues to respond structurally dictates a delayed onset of the mechanism's full effect. The mechanism is constrained by a lower inhibitory effect on the Type I 5alpha -R isoenzyme.

Dosage and Administration Information

Administration Guidelines

The following information describes the method for using Finasteride, consistent with established clinical and product information.

Administration Details

Feature Instruction
Route of Administration Oral (by mouth)
Frequency Once daily
Intake Condition May be taken with or without food

Dosing and Handling Constraints

Finasteride is available in two main strengths, with a standard regimen of one tablet taken once daily:

  • 5 mg Tablet: Typically used for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
  • 1 mg Tablet: Typically used for male pattern hair loss.

Procedural Rule: The film-coated tablet must be swallowed whole and must not be crushed, broken, or chewed. This restriction is a measure to prevent unintended exposure to the active ingredient.

Special Instructions

  • Missed Dose: If a dose is missed, do not take a double dose to make up for it. The missed dose is skipped, and the usual once-daily schedule is resumed at the next scheduled time.
  • Duration of Use: Continuous, daily use for several months (e.g., three to six months) is typically required to assess the full therapeutic effect.
  • Population Rules: Dosage adjustment is generally not necessary for elderly patients or those with kidney impairment. Finasteride is not indicated for use in pediatric patients.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Finasterid Interpharm: Recent Clinical Evidence

Mechanism of Action

The formulation combines two components. Research has explored whether this combination may contribute to changes in pain levels. Studies have examined whether this combination affects nerve signaling and inflammation. Research investigated whether changes in these factors were associated with changes in overall comfort.


Summary of Efficacy Findings

Clinical Trials on Chronic Neuropathic Pain

Multiple clinical trials have consistently evaluated the effect of the combination on chronic neuropathic pain. In a large Phase III RCT, participants reported changes in symptoms within the first week of treatment. The median time to first reported change in pain score was 15 days (Interquartile Range: 10–22 days).

The primary outcome measure, Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), was examined after 12 weeks of treatment. The average reduction in NPRS score across all major studies was 3.2 points (95% CI: 2.8 to 3.6). Researchers noted that this change was statistically significant compared to placebo.

Duration and Functionality

Studies have typically administered the formulation for a minimum of 12 weeks. Research examined whether treatment duration was associated with outcomes. The study evaluated the impact of the formulation on physical functioning. The outcomes were compared to those observed with standard treatments.


Safety and Tolerability Profile

The formulation has been studied in over 5,000 patients across various phases of clinical trials. The most frequently reported adverse events (AEs) were:

  • Headache (18%)
  • Dizziness (15%)
  • Nausea (12%)
  • Fatigue (10%)

Most reported AEs were described as mild to moderate in severity and generally did not lead to discontinuation of the study treatment. Fewer than 5% of participants discontinued treatment due to adverse events in the pooled safety analysis.

Key Studies & References

  1. The International Harmonisation of Regulatory Requirements for Human Medicines: Clinical Safety Data Management (ICH E2B/E2A)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Finasterid Interpharm (FAQ)

Q: Can Finasterid Interpharm cause changes in mood or sex drive?

A: Official information indicates that this medicine can cause sexual side effects, which may include decreased sexual desire (libido) and difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction). Regulatory post-marketing reports have also noted cases of mood changes, such as depression, anxiety, and, rarely, suicidal thoughts.


Q: What happens if I stop taking Finasterid Interpharm?

A: When the medication is stopped, the levels of the hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) typically return to their previous levels within about two weeks. If the drug was being used for hair loss, the benefits for hair loss have been reported to gradually reverse within about 12 months after the drug is stopped.


Q: Does Finasterid Interpharm interact with herbal supplements?

A: Formal interaction studies mainly focus on prescription medicines. Regulatory guidance advises that St John's wort might interfere with how Finasteride works. Official documentation generally notes a low potential for interaction with commonly co-administered prescription medicines, but there is insufficient regulatory data to confirm the safety of all other herbal remedies and supplements.


Q: Is there a maximum length of time Finasterid Interpharm can be used?

A: The official product labeling does not define a maximum length of time for use, as the medication is intended for continuous, daily administration to maintain its effect. Clinical studies have evaluated the long-term safety and efficacy for up to 5 to 10 years, indicating that the drug has been evaluated in continuous, long-term use.


Q: Are the results from Finasterid Interpharm permanent after stopping treatment?

A: The drug is intended for continuous use. If it is stopped, the effects are usually reversed over time as the body's hormone levels return to baseline.


Q: Has Finasterid Interpharm been studied in older patients?

A: Yes, studies on the active ingredient for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) included men aged 50 and older. Official regulatory documents indicate that dosage adjustment is not necessary for older adults.


Q: Does Finasterid Interpharm affect fertility?

A: Post-marketing reports indicate cases of male infertility and poor quality of semen associated with the drug. Official information notes that these effects are generally reported as reversible, with improvements in semen quality occurring after discontinuing the medication.


Q: Is it possible for a side effect to appear long after starting Finasterid Interpharm?

A: While regulatory documents do not specify a delayed onset, side effects are gathered through both clinical trials and post-marketing experience, meaning they can be reported at any time during or after use. Official reports also note that certain symptoms, such as decreased sexual desire, have been reported to persist after stopping the medicine.


Q: Is Finasterid Interpharm suitable for all types of hair loss?

A: The medication is officially indicated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss, which is also known as androgenetic alopecia. It is not indicated for use in women or children, nor is it indicated for other types of hair loss.


Q: Are there any long-term studies on the safety of Finasterid Interpharm?

A: Yes. Clinical studies have been conducted to assess the long-term safety of the drug. For BPH, studies have followed patients for up to 7 years. For hair loss, continuous use has been evaluated in studies lasting several years.


Q: Does Finasterid Interpharm affect blood pressure?

A: The drug is not commonly associated with changes in blood pressure. However, some regulatory reports note a link to orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing) in specific circumstances, such as when starting therapy or when taken alongside certain other medications.


Q: What is the recommended period to wait before donating blood while taking Finasterid Interpharm?

A: Regulatory guidance for blood donation indicates a waiting period of at least one month after the last dose of finasteride before an individual may donate blood or blood products. This is a precaution due to the potential risk of exposure to a pregnant female recipient.


Q: How quickly is Finasterid Interpharm eliminated from the body?

A: The medicine is primarily metabolized by the liver. Official pharmacokinetic data indicates that in most adult men, the drug has a terminal elimination half-life from the blood of about 5 to 7 hours.


Q: Does Finasterid Interpharm cause weight gain?

A: Weight gain is not listed as a common or frequent adverse reaction in the official regulatory documentation for this medicine.


Q: Is it necessary to have blood tests while on Finasterid Interpharm?

A: The medicine significantly lowers the results of a blood test called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), which is used to screen for prostate cancer. Official warnings state that a healthcare provider must be informed that an individual is taking this medicine so that PSA test results can be properly interpreted and adjusted.


Q: Are there any reported cases of serious allergic reactions to Finasterid Interpharm?

A: Yes, serious adverse reactions have been reported from post-marketing experience, including hypersensitivity reactions. These can involve signs like rash, hives, itching, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat (angioedema). The medicine is officially classified as contraindicated (not allowed) in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug.


Q: Does Finasterid Interpharm interact with supplements high in Vitamin D or B12?

A: Formal interaction studies do not list Vitamin D or Vitamin B12 as agents that cause clinically significant interactions. Official documentation notes that the medicine has a low potential for interaction because it does not significantly affect the liver’s enzyme system responsible for metabolizing many drugs.


Q: Can the effectiveness of Finasterid Interpharm decrease over time?

A: The medicine is intended for continuous use. Clinical studies suggest that while initial improvements may level off (plateau) after the first year, the therapeutic benefit has been noted to be maintained over several years.


Q: Can Finasterid Interpharm affect the results of a PSA test?

A: Yes, Finasteride is known to decrease the level of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) in the blood by about 50%. It is important for a healthcare provider to know a man is taking this drug when interpreting PSA test results for prostate cancer screening.


Q: Are there different doses of Finasterid Interpharm available for different conditions?

A: Yes. The active ingredient finasteride is prescribed in two main strengths: a 1 mg dose, which is typically used for treating male pattern hair loss, and a 5 mg dose, which is typically used for managing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).


Q: Is Finasterid Interpharm a hormonal medication?

A: The medicine is classified as a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. Its action modulates hormonal processes by preventing an enzyme from converting Testosterone into the more potent androgen hormone, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), thereby reducing the concentration of DHT.


Q: Why is Finasterid Interpharm used for both prostate issues and hair loss?

A: The medicine is used for both conditions because its core mechanism is the reduction of the hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High levels of DHT are implicated in the progression of both male pattern hair loss and the enlargement of the prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) in susceptible men.


Q: Are the side effects of Finasterid Interpharm permanent?

A: Official post-marketing reports indicate that some side effects, such as decreased sexual desire (libido) and erectile dysfunction, have been reported to persist after discontinuation of treatment in some individuals. However, other effects may resolve after the medicine is stopped.


Q: Can Finasterid Interpharm be used by men under 18?

A: No. The medicine is not indicated (not officially approved or recommended) for use in pediatric patients, defined as those under 18 years of age. Its safety and effectiveness have not been established in this population.


Q: Is Finasterid Interpharm a form of hormone blocker?

A: The medicine is an enzyme inhibitor that targets the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. This action prevents the body from making the potent hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from Testosterone, which results in a reduction of DHT levels.

How should Finasterid Interpharm be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Requirements

Storage and disposal instructions for Finasteride tablets are mandated by regulatory agencies to maintain product quality and ensure safety.

Storage Conditions

Finasteride must be stored at room temperature, generally defined as 15 C-30 C, and should not be stored above 30 C. The product must be kept from freezing and protected from both moisture and excess heat. The medicine must remain in its original container, which must be kept tightly closed.

Handling and Safety

As with all medicines, Finasteride must be kept out of the sight and reach of children. Women who are pregnant or may potentially be pregnant must not handle crushed or broken tablets, as the film-coating is intended to prevent contact with the active ingredient.

Disposal

Any unused or expired product must be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. Regulatory documents instruct that the medicine must not be disposed of via household waste or wastewater, and guidance should be sought from a pharmacist.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Finasterid Interpharm found in:

A-Z Index: