Dutasteride

DEA Class; Rx

Common Brand Names; Avodart

• 5-AlphaReductase Inhibitors

Oral 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor
Used for symptomatic treatment of BPH in men with enlarged prostates; used off-label for male-pattern baldness
Pregnant women or women trying to conceive should not handle dutasteride since absorption through the skin may result in fetal exposure and severe adverse outcomes

Indicated for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate to improve urinary symptoms, reduce risk of acute urinary retention, and reduce the risk of the need for BPH-related surgery.

Hypersensitivity

Women

Children

• Adverse reactions decrease with duration of treatment, except for gynecomastia
• Impotence
• Decreased libido
• Ejaculation disorder
• Breast disorders
• Dizziness
• Cardiac failure
• Prostate cancer (high grade)

Prior to initiating treatment, rule out other urologic conditions

Obstructive uropathy, liver disease

Patient should not donate blood until 6 months after last dose of dutasteride

Dutasteride lowers serum PSA 40-50%; establish new baseline PSA after 3-6 months of treatment

Monitor for cardiac changes or cardiac failure

Capsules should not be handled by women who are pregnant or may be pregnant; drug can be absorbed through skin and could result in unintended fetal exposure and potential risk to a male fetus; if a pregnant woman comes in contact with leaking dutasteride capsules, the contact area should be washed immediately with soap and water; drug can be absorbed through skin based on animal studies

Contraindicated for use in pregnancy because it may cause harm to male fetus; not indicated for use in women

Not indicated for use in women; there is no information available on presence of drug in human milk, effects on breastfed child, or on milk production

Dutasteride

capsule

• 0.5mg