Dutasteride

Enlarged Prostate, Prostatic Hyperplasia, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Treatment

5 FDA approvals

15 Active Studies for Dutasteride

What is Dutasteride

Dutasteride

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Dutasteride, 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.

Avodart

is 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 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostatic Hyperplasia .

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

Enlarged Prostate

Helps manage Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Enlarged Prostate

Used to treat Enlarged Prostate in combination with Tamsulosin

symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Used to treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in combination with Tamsulosin

Effectiveness

How Dutasteride Affects Patients

Dutasteride 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 body

Dutasteride 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,

, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral

Prostatic Hyperplasia

0.5 mg,

, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

0.5 mg,

, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, 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 Risk

The 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

Enlarged Prostate

15 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 2

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

0 Actively Recruiting

Prostatic Hyperplasia

0 Actively Recruiting

Dutasteride Reviews: What are patients saying about Dutasteride?

5

Patient 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.

5

Patient 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 .

4.7

Patient 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.

4.7

Patient Review

2/18/2008

Dutasteride for Enlarged Prostate

My prostate has decreased by 30% and I no longer have any problems urinating.

4.3

Patient 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.

4

Patient Review

2/3/2017

Dutasteride for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems

I've been taking this for a couple of years and it's lowered my PSA levels. I also have good flow and no problems with sex. The only side effects I've noticed are occasional itchiness and dizziness, but I'm not sure if they're from the medication or not.

3.7

Patient Review

1/10/2018

Dutasteride for Enlarged Prostate

I was disappointed with this treatment because it effectively stopped me from being able to produce semen. Two months after suspending use, I'm still feeling the effects.

3.7

Patient Review

12/22/2013

Dutasteride for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems

I didn't experience any improvement in sexual function, but I did notice my breasts were a lot more tender after 18 months. It's kind of expensive, but it may work for you if you're willing to give up alcohol.

3.7

Patient Review

8/13/2019

Dutasteride for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems

This drug didn't help me with my erectile dysfunction.

1.7

Patient Review

10/9/2016

Dutasteride for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems

At first, this medication worked like all the others in its class. But after a couple months, it lost its effectiveness. Now I have difficulty urinating, especially at night.

1.7

Patient Review

6/9/2019

Dutasteride for Enlarged Prostate

This drug had a profound negative impact on my sexual performance. I stopped using it and am now praying for things to return to normal.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

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

Image of Centre Hospitalier de l'université de Montréal (CHUM) in Montréal, Canada.

Optilume vs Rezum for Enlarged Prostate

18+
Male
Montréal, Canada

Lower urinary symptoms (LUTS) affect older men and their frequency and severity increase with age. According to Berry et al., the histological diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) increases from 25% in the group age between 40 to 49 years to 80% in the group age between 70 to 79 years (1). However, this hyperplasia can lead to a bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) secondary to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE), causing storage and voiding symptoms, associated with a considerable impairment of the quality of life (2). Surgical therapy of BPH has continuously evolved in recent years. The current gold standard for the endoscopic treatment of BPH is the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Other innovative techniques were developed including Urolift, transurethral laser enucleation (holmium, thulium) and Aquablation therapy. One of the latest technologies for the management of BPH are Optilume BPH Catheter System (Optilume®, Urotronic Inc, Minneapolis, USA) and Rezum Water Vapor Therapy (Rezum System, Bostocn Scientific, Marlborough, MA). The purpose of the present study is to compare between patient experience, symptom relief and functional improvement when using the Optilume BPH Catheter System (Optilume®, Urotronic Inc, Minneapolis, USA) and Rezum Water Vapor Therapy (Rezum System, Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA).

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

Centre Hospitalier de l'université de Montréal (CHUM) (+1 Sites)

Naeem Bhojani, MD

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Image of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre/Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute in Thunder Bay, Canada.

Traditional vs Top-Down HoLEP for Enlarged Prostate

18+
Male
Thunder Bay, Canada

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the non-malignant enlargement of the prostate gland, places pressure on the urethra and causes urination difficulties and bladder problems. Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) secondary to BPH is a common condition in aging men, with an overall prevalence of more than 50% in those older than 50 years of age. Men with LUTS often experience sexual dysfunction including ejaculatory loss, painful ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction, which among other complications can also lead to a decreased quality of life. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), first reported by Fraundorfer et al in 1998, is a more recent step in the evolution of holmium laser prostatectomy. HOLEP offers patients the alternative of being treated endoscopically with minimal blood loss, short catheterization time, and decreased hospital stay. One noted drawback to HoLEP, and the primary reason why it has yet to become the new standard for treatment of symptomatic BPH, is the complexity of this procedure, with a prolonged learning curve. Modifications to the procedure have thus been explored in order to address this limitation. The "Top-Down" HoLEP technique is a novel technique which offers potential benefits to the Traditional HoLEP procedure, including decreased complexity, a reduced learning curve, with anticipated improved continence. This study will compare the operating time between the Top-Down Holmium Laser Enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and the Traditional HoLEP for the treatment of patients with symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction due to BPH in Northwestern Ontario.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre/Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute

Hazem Elmansy, MD

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