Propecia Overdose
Propecia (finasteride) is indicated for treatment of male pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia. Taking too much of this medication can lead to an overdose. The overdose effects of Propecia may vary depending on several factors that include the amount of drug ingested and whether it is taken with other substances such as alcohol and drugs. However, an overdose on Propecia is not expected to cause life threatening effects.
If you or someone has overdosed on this medication, seek emergency medical assistance or contact local poison control for appropriate treatment.
What Studies Say?
Clinical studies conducted before Propecia was approved has shown that single doses more than 400 mg and multiple doses of 80 mg a day did not result in adverse reactions.
Meanwhile, significant lethality has been noted when very high oral doses of finasteride (equivalent to 500 to 1000 mg/kg) were given to animal samples, specifically mice and rats. However, since cases of overdose with Propecia are rarely reported, its full effects are not entirely clear.
Managing Propecia Overdose
Because of the lack of adequate information about this drug overdose, there is no specific treatment prescribed to patients who suffer from Propecia overdose. If the overdose occurred recently, the healthcare provider may prescribe certain medications and “irrigate or pump out” contents of the stomach by inserting a tube. Normally, treatment of Propecia overdose involves supportive care. This means treatments are prescribed depending on the symptoms that occur due to the overdose. For instance, if the patient suffers from fluid imbalance, the healthcare provider may recommend inserting an intravenous line (IV) to correct the imbalance. Other medications and medical treatments are prescribed as soon based on the complications experienced.
It is suggested that pregnant women who have taken or have been exposed to the contents of Propecia should be treated as if they have overdoses on the drug. This is because of the dangerous effects of finasteride to the unborn child.
