Dutasteride

5α-reductase inhibitor (dual type I/II), Benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment, Androgen modulator

Dutasteride

Avodart; combined with tamsulosin as Jalyn

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Summary

Classes

5α-reductase inhibitor (dual type I/II), Benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment, Androgen modulator

Pharmacy

Starting dose

0.5 mg PO once daily

Preparations

0.5 mg capsules

US FDA Max

0.5 mg/d

Pharmacology

Routes

Oral

Onset

Prostate volume reduction over 6-12 months

Duration

24 hours; tissue effects persist weeks

Half-life

~5 weeks (much longer than finasteride's ~6 hours)

Bioavailability

~60% (oral)

Pregnancy

Pregnant individuals should not handle dutasteride capsules (skin absorption risk through intact capsule); can cause hypospadias in male fetus.^{[citation needed]}

Legal status

Rx-only in US

Purported mechanism

Dutasteride inhibits both type I (skin, hepatic) and type II (prostatic) 5α-reductase, achieving >90% serum DHT suppression compared with finasteride's ~70%; the dual inhibition translates to greater prostate volume reduction but a similar overall clinical effect in BPH.▲0▼ The long half-life means blood donation should be deferred for 6 months after the last dose (per FDA labeling) to prevent fetal exposure in a pregnant transfusion recipient. Post-finasteride/dutasteride syndrome (persistent sexual and mood effects after discontinuation) is a controversial but recognized clinical concern.