Finasteride Oral Suspension (Anhydrous)
Finasteride is a compounded formulation containing Finasteride, prepared by Mixlab for veterinary use. Available by prescription.
How to Give Anhydrous Oral Suspension
Oral Suspension (Anhydrous) is a liquid medication that does not contain water in its base. This might be an oil-based or other special base to help stabilize the medicine. It will look like a regular liquid medication, but often needs a good shake because the drug can settle. Here's how to give it:
- Shake well each time to mix the medication (5-10 seconds).
- Measure the dose using the syringe/dropper provided or one recommended by your vet. Insert the top of the oral syringe into the bottle adapter. Turn the bottle upside down and pull the plunger until the medicine reaches the volume required
- Hold your pet steady: a towel or helper can assist with squirmy pets.
- Administer the dose slowly into the side of the mouth. Allow small pauses if needed for swallowing.
- Raise the head slightly to help the medication go down and clean any spills with a little water or tissue.
- Praise your pet and offer a treat or water (unless advised against feeding right after).
- Clean the syringe with water immediately after use. Store the bottle as directed, out of sunlight.
- Consistency is key: Shake each time, measure accurately, and contact your vet if any issues arise.
The uses and pharmacology described below reflect the FDA-approved labeling for this active ingredient; your veterinarian determines whether and how they apply to your animal's treatment plan.
Finasteride is a synthetic 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor utilized in veterinary medicine for its ability to manage specific hormone-responsive conditions. It is a prescription medication available for use in dogs, requiring a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship before it can be dispensed. It is frequently considered in the context of prostate health for patients presented with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing or monitoring. Compounded drugs are not approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.
At a pharmacological level, finasteride manages the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the primary hormone responsible for prostate tissue growth. Commonly observed effects include localized changes in reproductive function or behavioral shifts. Because of its hormonal influence, pregnant individuals should avoid handling the medication, particularly if it is crushed or compounded. Owners should monitor for any unusual changes in energy and contact their veterinarian promptly with any concerns regarding the patient’s response.
Yes. Finasteride is a prescription medication and requires a valid authorization from a licensed veterinarian. Mixlab verifies all legal requirements before any medication is prepared or shipped.
Yes. Mixlab specializes in compounding finasteride into customized strengths and flavored oral formats, such as flavored oral liquids, to suit the specific needs of your pet. The decision rests with your prescribing veterinarian.
Veterinarians discuss finasteride because it is considered in the context of addressing hormone levels associated with prostate enlargement. This provides a method for managing the size of the gland in dogs with benign enlargement.
Yes. Because finasteride influences hormones, pregnant or nursing individuals should use gloves when handling the medication. This provides a method for preventing accidental absorption.
Your veterinarian will monitor for observational signs of improvement, such as easier urination or defecation, which may take several weeks to become apparent. They will provide a specific monitoring schedule for your pet.
