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Dutasteride

Generic name: dutasteride [ doo-TAS-ter-ide ]
Brand name: Avodart
Dosage form: oral capsule (0.5 mg)
Drug class: 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Nov 5, 2024.

What is dutasteride?

Dutasteride (brand name Avodart) is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. It helps improve symptoms such as urinary flow and may also reduce your need for prostate surgery later on.

Dutasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Dutasteride is sometimes given with another medication called tamsulosin (Flomax). Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications.

Dutasteride may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Dutasteride side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Common side effects of dutasteride may include:

The sexual side effects of dutasteride may continue after you stop taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about these side effects.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Dutasteride can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy. Dutasteride capsules should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or may become pregnant.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use dutasteride if you are allergic to dutasteride or finasteride.

Dutasteride can be absorbed through the skin, and women or children should avoid handling the capsules. This medication can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy; just handling the medicine may cause abnormalities in male fetuses. Dutasteride is not typically prescribed for women, although it may be used off-label (not an FDA-approved use) for female pattern hair loss in postmenopausal women.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Using dutasteride 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.

How should I take dutasteride?

Your doctor will perform tests to make sure you do not have other conditions that would prevent you from safely using dutasteride.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

It may take up to 6 months or longer before you receive the full benefit of taking dutasteride. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine. Keep using the medication as directed.

You will need frequent medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Dutasteride dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia:

0.5 mg orally once a day

Use: Treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate to reduce the risk of acute urinary retention (AUR) and BPH-related surgery.

tamsulosin, finasteride, tadalafil, Flomax, doxazosin, Cialis

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking dutasteride?

Do not donate blood while taking dutasteride and for at least 6 months after your treatment ends. Dutasteride can be carried in the blood and could cause birth defects if a pregnant woman receives a transfusion with blood that contains dutasteride.

What other drugs will affect dutasteride?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Other drugs may affect dutasteride, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Does dutasteride interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.