Proscar is an effective drug used for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia develops because of Di Hydro Testosterone (DHT). Proscar works by preventing the conversion of testosterone to di hydro testosterone (DHT), which leads to the curing of benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Proscar comes in tablet form and has to be taken orally. The drug can be taken with food or without food. The prescribed dosage is one tablet a day. Always follow your doctor while taking the drug. Do not go for larger doses or less or use the drug for long periods unless your doctor advises. Always try to take the medicine at the same time every day for better results.

Always maintain that the doses are taken at the same time. If you forget to take a dose, you can have it as soon as your remember it. But if it is time for your scheduled doses, skip the missed dose and follow the scheduled doses. Never mix two doses of Proscar. If you suspect of having taken an overdose, better consult the doctor.

While you are on Proscar medication, you have to strictly keep your appointments with the doctor as he may have to regularly monitor your health, especially for prostate specific antigen to check for prostate cancer.

It is better to discuss with your doctor about all your health conditions before he prescribes Proscar. Tell him if you are allergic to any food, medicine or any substance, including the ingredients in Proscar. You should also inform the doctor if you have liver disease, prostate cancer, abnormal liver enzyme tests, bladder muscle disorder and stricture of urethra or if you are unable to urinate.

An important thing that has to be noted is that Proscar medicine is only for men and not meant for women and children. Women and children should not come in contact with the drug, as it is known to get absorbed into the body through the skin. Pregnant women and those who hope to get pregnant should be very careful with Proscar as the drug is known to cause harm to the unborn babe.

Proscar also interacts with certain medications and therefore you have to inform the doctor about all the medications, including the prescriptive/non-prescriptive drugs, herbal drugs, diet supplements, vitamins and minerals, which you are using.

Like all medicines, Proscar also comes with many side effects. You have to be cautious if you experience nipple discharge or breast lumps as these may be signs of breast cancer.

You have to stop the drug and immediately contact your doctor if you come across hives, swelling (face, lips, mouth, tongue, throat) and breathing difficulty. Some of the lesser-known side effects that comes with Proscar are swelling in hands/feet, trouble having an orgasm, impotence, pain in testicles, loss of interest in sex, abnormal ejaculation, swelling of breasts, dizziness and headache.

The drug has to be stored in room temperature, away from heat, light and moisture.