Dutasteride

Enlarged Prostate, Prostatic Hyperplasia, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Treatment
5 FDA approvals
20 Active Studies for Dutasteride

What is Dutasteride

DutasterideThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryDutasteride, sold under the brand name Avodart, is a medication used to treat an enlarged prostate in men. It works by blocking the action of two enzymes in the body that are responsible for the growth of the prostate. Dutasteride was approved by the FDA in 2001 and has been proven to be equally as effective as another drug, finasteride, in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia. Dutasteride has also been shown to be helpful for treating androgenic alopecia, although it is not officially approved for this indication.
Avodartis the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Dutasteride Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Avodart
Dutasteride
2002
57

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Dutasteride, also called Avodart, is approved by the FDA for 5 uses including Enlarged Prostate and symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) .
Enlarged Prostate
Helps manage Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Used to treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in combination with Tamsulosin
Enlarged Prostate
Used to treat Enlarged Prostate in combination with Tamsulosin
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Used to treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in combination with Tamsulosin
Prostatic Hyperplasia
Used to treat Enlarged Prostate in combination with Tamsulosin

Effectiveness

How Dutasteride Affects PatientsDutasteride is a medication that lowers the amount of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. It is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition where the prostate gland gets enlarged. Dutasteride works quickly, with the maximum effect seen within 1-2 weeks of taking it. After 1 and 2 weeks of daily dosing with dutasteride 0.5 mg, the amount of DHT in the body is reduced by 85% and 90%, respectively. In 85% of patients taking dutasteride, the amount of DHT was decreased by more than
How Dutasteride works in the bodyDutasteride works by blocking an enzyme that changes testosterone into a more active form, 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is responsible for the development and enlargement of the prostate gland. Dutasteride works by blocking both types of the enzyme that convert testosterone to DHT. This results in a near-complete reduction of DHT in the body. As a result, the prostate grows less and cells in the prostate die more easily. Dutasteride does not bind to the human androgen receptor.

When to interrupt dosage

The suggested dose of Dutasteride is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, such as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Enlarged Prostate and Enlarged Prostate. The measure of dosage shifts as per the administration approach (e.g. Capsule or Capsule, extended release - Oral) outlined in the table beneath.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Enlarged Prostate
0.5 mg,
, Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral
Prostatic Hyperplasia
0.5 mg,
, Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
0.5 mg,
, Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral

Warnings

Dutasteride Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
intended pregnancy
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Dutasteride.
Common Dutasteride Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Alfuzosin
Major
Dutasteride may increase the hypotensive activities of Alfuzosin.
Astemizole
Major
The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Dutasteride.
Axitinib
Major
The metabolism of Axitinib can be decreased when combined with Dutasteride.
Cabazitaxel
Major
The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Dutasteride.
Carbamazepine
Major
The metabolism of Carbamazepine can be decreased when combined with Dutasteride.
Dutasteride Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of dutasteride in rabbits is estimated to be more than 2,000mg/kg. If someone takes too much dutasteride, they may experience decreased libido, sexual problems, or breast enlargement. There is no known cure for an overdose, so supportive care should be given. In animal studies, high doses of dutasteride caused problems with the development of male genitalia and fertility issues in male rats. It is not clear if dutasteride is safe for pregnant or nursing women, or elderly people with weakened kidneys.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Dutasteride Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Dutasteride?

21 ongoing studies are assessing the potential of Dutasteride to reduce Enlarged Prostate, Prostatic Hypertrophy and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
0 Actively Recruiting
Enlarged Prostate
21 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 2
Prostatic Hyperplasia
0 Actively Recruiting

Dutasteride Reviews: What are patients saying about Dutasteride?

5Patient Review
4/2/2009
Dutasteride for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems
I was taking a combination of Flomax and saw palmetto until the Avodart built up in my system. I no longer take them. The only drawback is that there is no generic available as yet.
5Patient Review
7/30/2022
Dutasteride for Enlarged Prostate
BPH with some bleeding. Cystoscopy showed enlarged prostate. Duodart stopped bleeding very quickly. Some slight loss of libido and occasional retrograde ejaculation. High field MRI showed no suspicion of cancer. PSA stable for last 4 years at 2.5. Take Duodart every second day on advice from excellent urologist .
4.7Patient Review
9/26/2010
Dutasteride for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems
I saw a significant decrease in my PSA levels after taking this medication for six months.
4.7Patient Review
2/18/2008
Dutasteride for Enlarged Prostate
My prostate has decreased by 30% and I no longer have any problems urinating.
4.3Patient Review
9/17/2009
Dutasteride for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems
Even after stopping use of this medication five months ago, I'm still experiencing negative side effects like low libido and impotence. It's effectively chemical castration.
View All Reviews
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Patient Q&A Section about dutasteride

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Does dutasteride have side effects?

"_

Some common side effects of taking dutasteride can include impotence, decreased libido, and ejaculation disorders."

Answered by AI

What are the long-term effects of taking dutasteride?

"Our findings suggest that dutasteride therapy worsens ED, reduces testosterone levels, and increases glucose, HbA1c, and alters lipid profiles, suggesting imbalance in metabolic function."

Answered by AI

Is it safe to take dutasteride?

"This medicine may increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. Your doctor will test your prostate specific antigen (PSA) to check for cancer while you are using this medicine. This medicine is not for use by women, and can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy."

Answered by AI

Is dutasteride a testosterone blocker?

"Dutasteride is a drug that mimics the hormone testosterone, and inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This in turn suppresses levels of DHT in the body."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Dutasteride

Have you considered Dutasteride clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Dutasteride, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Dutasteride clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Dutasteride, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Dutasteride clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Dutasteride, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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