Dutasteride
Dutasteride Information

About Dutasteride

Dutasteride is a dual 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, a newly approved drug (Approved 11-20-2001 for treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). It is a synthetic 4-azasteroid compound that is a selective inhibitor of both type 1 and type 2 isoforms of steroid 5a-reductase(5AR), an intracellular enzyme that converts testosterone to 5a-dihydrotestosterone(DHT). Dutasteride has shown dramatic success in restoring hair to bald men in trials.

Indications

Dutasteride is primarily indicated in conditions like Benign prostatic hyperplasia, Hair loss.

Contraindication

Dutasteride

Side Effects

The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Dutasteride are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Rashes, Urticaria, Pruritus, Impotence, Gynecomastia, Hypersensitivity reactions, Decrease in libido, Ejaculatory disturbances, Electrolyte imbalance, Pruritis.

Warnings

Dutasteride is for use by men only(hepatic impairment). Women who are or who may become pregnant must not handle dutasteride capsules. The medication can be absorbed through the skin and may cause birth defects in the unborn baby. It may cause feminization or deformed male genitals - though it's not known if every fetus will be affected, or if the dosage and timing is relevant. In fetus, more specifically, the distance from the urinary opening to the anus is decreased, the penis looks more like a large clitoris, the testicles are small or not present, the prostate and seminal vesicles are too small and the nipples are swollen like breasts. Do not donate blood until at least 6 months have passed since the last dose of dutasteride is taken to prevent pregnant women from receiving dutasteride through blood transfusion. Dutasteride may cause an initial period of shedding approximately six to eight weeks into treatment. This is a normal response to treatment with dutasteride. Take dutasteride exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember during the same day. However, if you don't remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication. Seek emergency medical attention in case of over dose or double dose. Symptoms of a dutasteride overdose are not known.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Pregnant Mothers, and patients suffering from Liver Malfunction.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.