Medication leaflets

Active substance

Results for the substance dutasteride

17 results

About this active substance

Dutasteride is a medication primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition characterized by the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, which can cause urinary difficulties. It is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, an enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone responsible for prostate growth. By reducing DHT levels, dutasteride helps shrink the prostate and alleviate urinary symptoms.

The effects of dutasteride are not immediate, and symptom improvement may take several weeks or months of treatment. The medication is taken orally, usually in capsule form, and is indicated for men with moderate to severe BPH symptoms. Additionally, dutasteride can reduce the risk of acute urinary retention and the need for surgical intervention for BPH.

While effective, dutasteride may cause side effects. The most common include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, abnormal ejaculation, and breast tenderness or enlargement (gynecomastia). In rare cases, allergic reactions or more severe effects may occur. Dutasteride can also affect prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which are used to screen for prostate cancer, requiring careful monitoring.

Dutasteride should be used as directed by a doctor, and patients should inform their doctor of any pre-existing conditions or concurrent medications. It is contraindicated in women and children, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should not handle the capsules, as the active substance can be absorbed through the skin and may affect fetal development.