Finasteride is supplied in 1 mg, 5 mg. The standard approach is 1 mg once daily for hair loss; 5 mg daily for BPH
Strength and use
| Strength | Typical role |
|---|---|
| 1 mg | Starting or low-dose maintenance |
| 5 mg | Standard maintenance dose |
Titration path
- 1
Step 1: initiate
Begin at the lowest useful strength of 1 mg.
- 2
Step 2: assess
Review after the onset window of shedding stabilises by month 3, regrowth by months 6–12.
- 3
Step 3: escalate
Move up one strength only if the response is partial and tolerance is good.
- 4
Step 4: maintain
Hold at the lowest effective dose for androgenetic alopecia and BPH and review periodically.
Key takeaways
- Standard dosing: 1 mg once daily for hair loss; 5 mg daily for BPH
- Dosing interval: 24-hour dosing interval.
- Never double up after a missed dose: resume the normal schedule.
- Store below 30 °C to protect potency across the shelf life.
Missed doses and adherence
If a dose is missed and the next one is close, skip it. Doubling increases the risk of reduced libido without improving outcomes. Blister packaging and clear dispensing labels measurably improve adherence on film-coated tablet lines.
Finasteride at a glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Drug class | 5-alpha reductase inhibitor |
| Common brand | Propecia / Proscar |
| Licensed use | androgenetic alopecia and BPH |
| Available strengths | 1 mg, 5 mg |
| Dosage form | film-coated tablet |
| Typical onset | shedding stabilises by month 3, regrowth by months 6–12 |
| Duration / dosing interval | 24-hour dosing interval |
| Storage | below 30 °C |
