Loading
5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor·Urology
BPH to reduce symptom progression and surgical risk
Max Dose
500 mcg/day
Half-life
5 WEEKS
Teratogenic
CATEGORY X
Onset
3-6 MONTHS
Overview
Dual 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor. More potent than Finasteride, blocking both Type I and Type II enzymes. Profoundly drops DHT levels.
Maximum Dose
Max 500 mcg/day.
Clinical Focus
Has a massive 5-week half-life. Patients cannot donate blood for 6 months after stopping due to teratogenic risk to pregnant recipients.
Bottom Line
Dutasteride is a more potent dual 5-alpha reductase inhibitor than finasteride for BPH, but has a very long half-life (5 weeks) and the same sexual side-effect profile.
Brand Names
Avodart, Duodart (combo with Tamsulosin)
Oral Routes
Soft gelatin capsules (500 mcg).
Prescribing & PBS
Authority Required (PBS).
Primary
BPH to reduce symptom progression and surgical risk.
Clinical Place
Often preferred over finasteride as combo therapy (Duodart) for aggressive BPH management.