dutasteride at a glance
Medicine class
5-alpha-reductase inhibitor
Licensed role
Moderate to severe benign prostatic hyperplasia
Administration
Swallow the soft capsule whole; it may be taken with or without food
PSA tests
Lowers PSA, requiring a new baseline and trend-based interpretation
What is dutasteride used for?
Licensed uses include:
Treating moderate to severe symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Reducing the risk of acute urinary retention and surgery in people with moderate to severe benign prostatic hyperplasia.
How does dutasteride work?
Dutasteride blocks both types of 5-alpha-reductase, reducing conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. This gradually reduces prostate volume and pressure on urinary flow.
dutasteride preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 0.5 mg
How to take dutasteride
Follow the prescription label. Swallow the soft capsule whole with water. Do not chew, crush or open it because the contents can irritate the mouth and throat. It may be taken with or without food.
Avoid handling leaking capsules.
Wash exposed skin immediately with soap and water if the contents leak onto it.
Do not stop treatment without discussing it with the prescriber.
dutasteride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
- Reduced sex drive
- Ejaculation changes, including reduced semen volume
- Breast enlargement or tenderness
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reaction, especially facial or throat swelling or breathing difficulty
- New depression or suicidal thoughts
- A breast lump or nipple discharge
- Testicular pain or swelling
dutasteride in pregnancy
Dutasteride must not be taken by women. Someone who is pregnant or may be pregnant should not handle leaking capsules because it can be absorbed through skin and may affect development of a male fetus. If a partner is or may be pregnant, a condom is recommended to prevent exposure through semen.
dutasteride while breastfeeding
Dutasteride is contraindicated for women, and it is unknown whether it passes into human milk. A breastfeeding person should not take it or handle leaking capsules.
dutasteride interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all medicines being used. Important examples include:
Verapamil or diltiazem
These can increase dutasteride concentrations and may make adverse effects more likely.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including ritonavir, indinavir, oral ketoconazole, itraconazole or nefazodone
Long-term use may increase and prolong exposure to dutasteride.
Tamsulosin and other alpha-blockers
Combination treatment may increase adverse effects, so its benefits and risks require review.
Common questions about dutasteride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is dutasteride used for?
It treats moderate to severe symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia and reduces the risk of urinary retention and related surgery.
Can the capsules be opened or chewed?
No. Swallow them whole because the contents can irritate the mouth and throat and be absorbed through skin.
Does dutasteride affect PSA blood tests?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.