Dutasteride

Indications

Dutasteride is used for: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Adult Dose

Oral Benign prostatic hyperplasia Adult: 500 mcg once daily for at least 6 mth. Hepatic impairment: Severe: Contraindicated.

Child Dose

Renal Dose

Renal impairment: Dose adjustment not necessary

Administration

May be taken with or without food.

Contra Indications

Severe liver impairment; pregnant women, children, adolescent.

Precautions

Excreted in semen therefore use of condom is recommended. Women of childbearing potential should avoid handling dutasteride capsules. Advisable to exclude other causes of benign prostatic hypertrophy (e.g. prostate cancer, infection) before initiating therapy. Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown/contraindicated

Pregnancy-Lactation

Pregnancy category: X Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown/contraindicated

Interactions

Plasma concentrations may be increased when used concomitantly w/ moderate or potent CYP3A4 inhibitors.

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Dutasteride : 1-10% Impotence, Decreased libido, Ejaculation disorder, Breast disorders/gynecomastia <1% Dizziness Frequency Not Defined Cardiac failure, Prostate cancer (high grade)

Mechanism of Action

Dutasteride has antiandrogenic properties. It inhibits 5alpha-reductase, thus preventing the conversion of testosterone to 5?-dihydrotestosterone which is the main androgen involved in causing prostate enlargement.