dutasteride

Dutasteride is a medication used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) also known as an enlarged prostate. Dutasteride belongs to a class of medication called 5-alpa reductase inhibitors. Male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is primarily responsible for development and enlargement of the prostate gland. Testosterone is converted into DHT by 5-alpha reductase enzyme. Dutasteride blocks 5-alpha reductase enzyme and prevents excessive DHT production in the prostate gland. This delays the progression of an enlarged prostate and improves symptoms of BPH.

The FDA approved dutasteride in November 2001.

Dutasteride is used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It improves symptoms of enlarged prostate, reduces retaining of urine, and reduces the risk of the need for prostate surgery.

Dutasteride causes many sexual side effects.

Common side effects are:

• Impotence
• Decreased libido
• Ejaculation disorder
• Breast enlargement and tenderness

Allergic reaction such as swelling under the skin may occur. Dutasteride also increases risk of high-grade prostate cancer. Patients must contact their healthcare professional if unusual reactions to dutasteride occur.

The recommended dose of dutasteride is 0.5 mg once daily. Do not chew the medication and do not administer to pediatric patients.

Medications such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), cimetidine (Tagamet), diltiazem (Cardizem), verapamil (Calan), ritonavir (Norvir) and clarithromycin (Biaxin) slow down the breakdown of dutasteride. This may lead to increased levels of dutasteride in the body, increasing side effects such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and impotence.

Medications such as carbamazepine (Tegretol) and primidone (Mysoline) increase the breakdown of dutasteride in the body. This may lead to decreased levels of dutasteride in the body, lowering the beneficial effects of the medication.

Dutasteride is not recommended to pregnant females because it can cause birth defects in the unborn child.

It is not known whether dutasteride enters breast milk.

What preparations of dutasteride are available?

Dutasteride is available as 0.5 mg liquid-filled capsules.

How should I keep dutasteride stored?

Dutasteride capsules should be stored between 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).

Dutasteride is available in generic form, but must be prescribed by a doctor or other health-care professional. The brand name available for dutaseride is Avodart.