Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) Practice Exam

What is the primary use of finasteride?

1. Treating hypertension

2. Managing benign prostatic hyperplasia

3. Preventing seizures

4. Relieving allergy symptoms

The correct answer is: Managing benign prostatic hyperplasia

The primary use of finasteride is for managing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition characterized by an enlarged prostate gland that can lead to urinary difficulties in men. Finasteride works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a hormone that contributes to prostate growth. By reducing DHT levels, finasteride helps to shrink the prostate, alleviating symptoms such as difficulty urinating, increased frequency of urination, and urgency. In contrast, treatments for hypertension would involve medications specifically aimed at lowering blood pressure, while preventing seizures is a role for anticonvulsants. Relieving allergy symptoms generally requires antihistamines or corticosteroids. Hence, finasteride's specific action on the prostate makes it particularly suited for the management of BPH.