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GENITO URINARY SYSTEM AND SEX HORMONES › UROLOGICALS › DRUGS USED IN BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERTROPHY › Testosterone-5-alpha reductase inhibitors
dutasteride
G04CB02
Adult Dosing
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): 0.5 mg orally once daily
- BPH combination therapy: 0.5 mg orally once daily in combination with tamsulosin 0.4 mg once daily
Pediatric Dosing
- Not indicated for pediatric use
Indications
- Management of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Reduction of risk of urinary retention and BPH-related surgery
- Reduction of risk of prostate cancer (off-label/specialty use)
Mechanism of Action
- Dual inhibitor of type 1 and type 2 isoforms of steroid 5-alpha-reductase
- Prevents conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), leading to significant reduction in serum and intraprostatic DHT levels
- Induces shrinkage of hyperplastic prostate tissue and improves urinary flow
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to dutasteride, other 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, or any component of the formulation
- Pregnancy and women of childbearing potential (risk of fetal harm/abnormalities in male genitalia)
- Pediatric patients
Adverse Reactions
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased libido
- Ejaculation disorders (e.g., decreased semen volume)
- Gynecomastia and breast tenderness
- Dizziness
- Hypersensitivity reactions (rash, pruritus, urticaria, angioedema)
Drug Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole) may increase serum concentrations of dutasteride
- Alpha-1 blockers (e.g., tamsulosin, doxazosin) - used concomitantly for synergistic BPH symptom relief, but may increase risk of orthostatic hypotension
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use