Formulary
Dutasteride: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
A specific inhibitor of the enzyme 5-reductase, which metabolises testosterone into the more potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone.
MedNext Academy | 3 min read
Dutasteride: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
A specific inhibitor of the enzyme 5-reductase, which metabolises testosterone into the more potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone.
Drug action
A specific inhibitor of the enzyme 5-reductase, which metabolises testosterone into the more potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone.
Indications and dose
**Benign prostatic hyperplasia**
- **Adult** (By Mouth): 500 micrograms daily, review treatment at 3-6 months and then every 6-12 months (may require several months treatment before benefit is obtained).
Side effects
Common or very common Breast disorder; sexual dysfunction Uncommon Alopecia; hypertrichosis Frequency not known Angioedema; depressed mood; hypersensitivity; localised oedema; skin reactions; testicular disorders
Interactions
**Other interactions (11):**
- For information on the decrease of serum PSA levels during treatment with dutasteride and guidance concerning prostate cancer detection, please see section 4.4.
- Effects of other drugs on the pharmacokinetics of dutasteride Use together with CYP3A4 and/or P-glycoprotein-inhibitors: Dutasteride is mainly eliminated via metabolism.
- However, in a population pharmacokinetic study, dutasteride serum concentrations were on average 1.6 to 1.8 times greater, respectively, in a small number of patients treated concurrently with...
- Long-term combination of dutasteride with drugs that are potent inhibitors of the enzyme CYP3A4 (e.g.
- Further inhibition of 5-alpha reductase at increased dutasteride exposure, is not likely.
- However, a reduction of the dutasteride dosing frequency can be considered if side effects are noted.
Hepatic impairment
Manufacturer advises caution in mild to moderate impairment; avoid in severe impairment (no information available).
Medicinal forms
Solution
Clinical governance
**Author:** MedNext Clinical Team. **Clinical reviewer:** Dr Shameer Deen, MBBS, MS, MRCS. **Sources:** BNF, Indian Pharmacopoeia, CIMS India. **Correction:** Report errors at support@mednext.academy.
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