What it means
A 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. By lowering dihydrotestosterone (DHT), it slowly shrinks an enlarged prostate in benign prostatic hyperplasiabee-NINE proh-STAT-ik hy-per-PLAY-zhuhA prostate gland that has grown larger than normal, from growth that is not cancer.hyper- more than normalplas growth or formation-ia conditionFull entry (5 mg) and slows male-pattern hair loss (1 mg). It takes 6 months or more to show its full effect. It lowers the PSA blood test result, which matters for prostate cancer screening.
For the nurse
Teach that a person who is or may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken tablets, because the drug can harm a male fetus. Possible effects include lower sex drive and erection problems. Tell the provider who orders a PSA test.
At a glance
| Drug class | 5-alpha reductase inhibitor |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Proscar, Propecia |
| Also written | Proscar, Propecia |
Related terms
urinary retention
Being unable to empty the bladder completely, or at all.
benign prostatic hyperplasia
A prostate gland that has grown larger than normal, from growth that is not cancer.
tamsulosin
An alpha-1 blocker that relaxes the muscle of the prostate and bladder neck so urine flows more easily.