dutasteride + tamsulosin at a glance
Medicine classes
5-alpha-reductase inhibitor plus alpha-blocker
Main use
Moderate to severe symptoms of benign prostate enlargement
Administration
Swallow the capsule whole with water; do not chew or open it.
Important test
Dutasteride lowers PSA, so clinicians must account for treatment when interpreting results.
What is dutasteride + tamsulosin used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Treating moderate to severe symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Reducing the risk of acute urinary retention and surgery in people with moderate to severe symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
How does dutasteride + tamsulosin work?
Tamsulosin relaxes smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck, helping urine pass more easily. Dutasteride reduces production of dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that promotes prostate growth.
dutasteride + tamsulosin preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 0.5 mg + 0.4 mg
How to take dutasteride + tamsulosin
Follow the prescription label and product leaflet.
Swallow the capsule whole with water.
Do not chew, crush or open it; the contents may irritate the mouth or throat.
If dizziness occurs, sit or lie down. Do not drive or use machinery until it passes.
dutasteride + tamsulosin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Dizziness
- Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
- Reduced sexual desire
- Reduced semen volume or other ejaculation changes
- Breast tenderness or enlargement
Get urgent medical advice
- Fainting or marked postural dizziness
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or breathing difficulty
- Persistent painful erection
- Widespread blistering or peeling rash
- New depression or suicidal thoughts
- New breast lump or nipple discharge
dutasteride + tamsulosin in pregnancy
This combination must not be taken by women. Anyone who is or may be pregnant must not handle leaking capsules because dutasteride can be absorbed through the skin and may affect development of a male fetus. Condom use is recommended when a treated patient's partner is or may be pregnant. Seek medical advice after exposure to capsule contents.
dutasteride + tamsulosin while breastfeeding
This product is contraindicated for women, and it is unknown whether either component passes into human milk. A breastfeeding person should avoid leaking capsules and immediately wash exposed skin with soap and water.
dutasteride + tamsulosin interactions
Check all medicines with a prescriber or pharmacist, particularly:
Other alpha-blockers
May increase blood-pressure-lowering effects; the combination should not be used with another alpha-blocker.
PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil
Combined vasodilation can cause low blood pressure or faintness.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including oral ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir and indinavir
May increase exposure to one or both components and increase adverse effects.
Common questions about dutasteride + tamsulosin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why are dutasteride and tamsulosin combined?
Tamsulosin relaxes muscle around the prostate and bladder neck, while dutasteride reduces hormone-driven prostate enlargement. Their effects are complementary.
Is it used for prostate cancer?
No. It is licensed for benign prostate enlargement, but prostate-cancer assessment remains important because the conditions can cause similar symptoms.
Does it affect PSA results?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.